The former Ivory Coast coach succeeds Gattuso and Marcelino Toral, becoming the third manager to take the helm of the French club this season.
Marseille has officially appointed Jean-Louis Gasset as their new head coach, marking a significant shift in the team's management strategy.
This announcement came just one day after the club made the decision to part ways with Gennaro Gattuso, reflecting a swift move to stabilize the team's leadership. Gasset, taking the helm of a team currently positioned ninth in Ligue 1, expressed his enthusiasm and honor at joining such a storied club. His immediate focus is on rallying the team for the challenges ahead, with an eye on improving their league standing and making a strong showing in upcoming matches.
Gasset's appointment represents his return to club management in France, having previously held positions at Montpellier, Caen, Istres, Saint-Étienne, and Bordeaux. His experience is not just limited to club football; Gasset has also contributed to the sport as an assistant coach at PSG and the French national team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and tactical acumen to Marseille. Notably, Gasset was available for a new role after his stint as the coach of the Ivory Coast national team, which included a victorious campaign at the 2023 AFCON alongside his assistant coach Emerse Faé.
The decision to bring in Gasset marks the third coaching change for Marseille in the current season, following the tenures of Gattuso and the Spaniard Marcelino Toral, who began the season at the club's helm. This frequent change in coaching staff underscores the club's urgent desire for stability and success, both domestically and in European competition.
Gasset's first major test will come quickly, with Marseille set to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the second leg of the Europa League playoff. The team aims to secure a spot in the round of 16, building on a 2-2 draw in the first leg against the Ukrainian side. This match, scheduled for Thursday at 8:00 PM, presents a critical opportunity for Gasset to make an immediate impact and set the tone for his tenure at Marseille. His extensive experience and proven track record in French football will be invaluable as he seeks to guide Marseille through this transitional period and towards achieving their ambitions on both the domestic and European stages.