Lille appoint Davide Ancelotti as head coach on two-year contract
Davide Ancelotti has been appointed as the new manager of French side Lille on a two-year contract ahead of their upcoming Champions League campaign.
The 36-year-old succeeds Bruno Génésio at the Ligue 1 club.
Génésio departed despite guiding the team to a third-place league finish last season.
That impressive domestic form secured their return to Europe’s elite club competition.
Stepping out of the shadows
The Italian coach brings substantial experience from working as an assistant to his father, Carlo.
His coaching education includes stints at European heavyweights such as Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid.
The younger Ancelotti also served alongside his father with the Brazil national team during their World Cup qualifying run.
However, his only previous senior head coaching role was a brief five-month spell in charge of Brazilian outfit Botafogo last year.
‘Energy and determination’
Lille president Olivier Letang expressed great confidence in the new appointment.
“Davide is a consummate professional, possessing all the qualities and skills of a modern coach.” – Olivier Letang
Letang added that the club hierarchy was deeply impressed by his maturity, energy, and technical abilities.
“His vision of football and his approach to coaching are both rigorous and highly relevant.”
European ambitions
The French club will be looking to build on their recent continental performances.
Under their previous leadership, Lille reached the Europa League round of 16 before falling to eventual champions Aston Villa.
The new head coach will now be tasked with navigating the demanding dual schedule of domestic football and the Champions League.