Italy World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso has been named the new head coach of Olympique de Marseille, signing a three-year contract with the option of an additional year.
Gattuso’s appointment follows the departure of Marcelino, and he is set to lead the team for the first time in their upcoming match against Monaco.
Jacques Abardonado served as the caretaker coach during the transition, overseeing a 3-3 Europa League draw against Ajax but later experiencing a challenging 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint Germain.
“I am very happy and proud to join Olympique de Marseille. It’s a club and a stadium, the Orange Velodrome, where I had the opportunity to play as a player, celebrated throughout Europe for the passion and fervour it exudes,” Gattuso told the club’s website.
“I’m looking forward to getting to work with my new team and taking on the upcoming challenges that await us.”
Gattuso’s return to management comes after a seven-month stint with Valencia, where he was dismissed in January. His coaching career began as a player-coach at Swiss side Sion and later included spells at Palermo, Milan, and Napoli.
He secured one major trophy during his coaching career, guiding Napoli to victory in the Coppa Italia during the 2019-20 season.
