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Rudi Garcia has been appointed the new head coach of French Ligue 1 outfit Lyon following the sacking of Sylvinho last week. The 55-year-old French tactician has plenty of experience in his homeland, having enjoyed spells at St Etienne, Le Mans, Dijon and Lille, where he won a domestic double in 2010-11.
Garcia had a three-year stint in charge of Italian Serie A side Roma, before returning to France with Marseille in 2016.
He guided them to the final of the Europa League in 2017-18 and departed the Stade Velodrome at the end of last season.
It was during his time at Marseille that Lyon president Jean-Michael Aulas described him as “arrogant” when the two sides were scrapping it out for Champions League qualification.
However, sporting director Juninho said Garcia was the standout candidate and his appointment was given the support of the recruitment panel, which included Gerard Houllier.
Juninho said: “I chose Rudi Garcia because he is a fighter who, like us, has the ambition to win titles and succeed on the European stage. “He is an experienced coach who has already won trophies. During my various interviews, I had a real football connection with him. We speak the same language in terms of tactics and style.”
The appointment comes after Sylvinho was axed just five months after replacing Bruno Genesio at the club as they went into the international break on a run of just one victory in nine matches in all competitions.
Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger were both linked with the post, but the decision has been made to bring in Garcia.
His first game in charge will be Saturday’s Ligue 1 visit of Dijon.
