Dubai: Former Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain coach Guy Lacombe on Wednesday signed an eight-month contract to become the new manager of Al Wasl, replacing his cancer-stricken compatriot Bruno Metsu, who resigned last month.
Metsu’s assistant Gille Morisseau, who stood in as interim coach for the club’s last four matches during Metsu’s absence, will now assist the new manager.
Lacombe told a press conference: “My first thoughts are for Bruno Metsu, who I wish all the best, and I’d like to thank Gilles Morisseau. Without both of these gentlemen, I wouldn’t be here.”
Al Wasl are currently eighth in the Etisalat Pro-League standings with two wins, three draws and one defeat in their six matches.
Of the task ahead of him, the 57-year-old said: “I’ll be working very closely with Gilles for more information and full awareness of the league and the opposition. He will be a very good source of information for me, but I will be working to take full control as soon as possible.”
Al Wasl board member Eisa Rashid said: “The presence of a head coach was vital to ensure stability and to continue to achieve results. We were looking for a strong character with charisma and experience. Someone who could enforce their style and approach on Al Wasl. When we received Guy’s CV, we felt he was the right coach for us right now.”
Born in Villefranche-de-Rouergue in southern France, Lacombe enjoyed a 15-year playing career taking in eight clubs in his home country, including Racing Club Lens, Stade Rennais, Toulouse and Lille. He was also a member of the French squad that won gold in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
He began his senior managerial career with Cannes in 1995 and went on to lead Toulouse, Guingamp, Sochaux, Paris Saint-Germain, Rennes and Monaco. He led the principality club to eighth in Ligue 1 in his first season, but he was sacked in January 2011 with the Red and Whites 17th in the table — they were relegated at the end of the season.
