Lyon appoint Garde as new coach

Posted Wednesday, June 22, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

LYON, France (AFP) - Lyon appointed Remi Garde as their new manager on Wednesday, club president Jean-Michel Aulas announced.

Garde, the French side's youth training centre director, replaces Claude Puel, who left the former seven time league champions on Monday with a year left on his contract.

Garde, 45 and capped six times by France, played for Lyon for nine years before moving on to Strasbourg (1993-1996) and then Premier League giants Arsenal (1996-1999).

He came to Lyon in 2003 as assistant coach to first Paul Le Guen and then Gerard Houllier and a year ago was appointed to his present post.

Garde's official title is 'technical director' as he has yet to acquire the necessary professional coaching qualifications held by goalkeeper coach Joel Bats, who will act as his assistant.

Garde, who becomes Lyon's 25th manager, has been offered a one year renewable contract.

Puel was let go after failing to deliver a trophy in his three years at the Stade Gerland since arriving from Lille.

The club and Puel - who won the French title in his first coaching post with Monaco in 2000 - failed to agree terms after a conciliation hearing organised by the French Professional League (LFP) last week.

"Lyon wishes to announce the departure of Claude Puel, who is no longer the head coach of the club as of today (Monday)," the club said in a short statement.

Lyon, French champions from 2002 to 2008, finished third last season, earning a place in the play-off round for next season's Champions League, but the relationship between fans and the coach has been strained in recent months.