Marseille, July 6 (BNA): Olympique de Marseille announced the appointment of Croatian Igor Theodor as the team’s new coach to replace Jorge Sampaoli, who left the club by mutual consent last week.
Marseille said the former Croatia international, who previously managed Hajduk Split, PAOK, Galatasaray, Udinese and Hellas Verona among other clubs, has signed a two-year contract.
“I think we’ve found what we need in Igor Theodor, and I am happy to welcome him to our club. Igor is a fighter, as he has shown throughout his career, both as a coach and as a player,” Marseille owner Frank McCourt said in a statement.
He represented Theodor Hajduk Split in two terms and also played for Juventus between 1998 and 2007 before training.
McCourt added: “I am convinced that he will feel at home in Marseille. His coaching experience at Galatasaray and PAOK, as well as Juventus as a player, prepared him for the level of passion that distinguishes and unites our club and his city.”
“But above all, as demonstrated recently at Hellas Verona, Igor is a true leader who brings a bold vision to football, who is not shy about any challenge and is determined to pursue excellence.”
Argentine Sampaoli, who took over in February 2021, led the team to second place in Ligue 1 last season and qualification for the Champions League before leaving the club.