French league strugglers Istres have named former France international Xavier Gravelaine as their new coach following the sacking of Mehmet Bazdarevic.
The club, who were promoted to France’s top flight at the end of last season, have only won one of their 19 games played this term and the decision to fire Bazdarevic came after their 2-0 Cup defeat to Bordeaux on Saturday.
The former 36-year-old striker, who played for Istres last season before completing a move to Swiss side Sion, has no previous managerial experience.
He will be helped in his new role by Jean-Louis Gasset.
