September 27, (THEWILL) – Former Italian international, Gennaro Gattuso, has been named the new manager of French club Marseille, it was announced on Wednesday. The 45-year-old replaces Marcelino Garcia Toral, who resigned from the position last week after just seven games in charge.
In a statement, Gattuso expressed his excitement at taking over the historic French club, known for its passionate fanbase. “I am very happy and proud to join Marseille – a club and a stadium, the Velodrome, in which I had the opportunity to play and which is famous throughout Europe for the passion and fervour that emanates from it,” he said.
Gattuso arrives with managerial experience at AC Milan and Napoli in Serie A. He has been without a club since leaving Spanish side Valencia at the start of this year.
Marseille have endured a tumultuous period lately. Toral’s exit followed a meeting with supporters that reportedly turned hostile, with club President Pablo Longoria threatened.
Gattuso’s first match in charge will be against Monaco on Saturday, as eighth-placed Marseille look to improve their league position. They also face English Premier League opponents Brighton and Hove Albion next week in the UEFA Europa League.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
