Marseille have been on a quest to find their next coach after Didier Deschamps left the club. And now they have announced that Elie Baup is the man who will manage the first team for next season.

 

The side decided to part ways with Deschamps this summer after the French giants struggled to a poor tenth place finish in Ligue 1 last season. The former French defensive midfielder left the role of manager two days ago.

 

Les Phoceens have wasted no time in appointing a new coach for their squad and former Bordeaux manager Baup is the man who will take over. Baup has signed a two-year deal.

 

“Elie Baup is named coach of OM for two seasons. Baup will attend Crans-Montana, where the players have been training since Wednesday. He will be presented to the press early Thursday afternoon”, read a statement on the club’s official website.

 

Baup started his career as a professional football in 1974 when he signed for AS Mazamet. The goalkeeper later went on to represent Toulouse.

 

After retiring from his playing career, the Frenchman turned to coaching and made his managerial debut with Castelnaudary in 1982. However, he only earned true recognition as a coach after he steered Bordeaux to the Ligue 1 title in 1999. Baup went on to boss Toulouse and Nantes.

 

The experienced campaigner has been heralded as a shrewd appointment by Marseille’s board. Baup is regarded as one of the most intelligent coaches in the French league. His vast experience with French clubs and his ability to steer sides out of turmoil have marked him out as a boss considered by some to be outstanding.

 

However, the French tactician has a tough job on his hands. Marseille performed poorly throughout last season and the players looked desolate on the pitch at times. Baup will have to somehow work his magic and get Les Phoceens back to winning ways as the fans will settle for nothing less than trophies and Champions League qualification next season.

 

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