Monaco chairman Michel Pastor has defended the appointment of Francesco Guidolin as the club’s new coach.

The decision to appoint Guidolin came as a surprise with most observers expecting former Lyon boss Paul Le Guen to be named the next Monaco coach.

“He is a famous coach who has all the needed qualities,” said Pastor.

“He has signed until 2007 and I hope we will go far together.

“People ask me why we have chosen Guidolin. But you could also have asked Mr Campora (former Monaco chairman) why he chose Deschamps.

“We met Mr Le Guen but maybe he doesn’t want to quit his sabbatical year. I met Raynald Denoueix and other French coaches but they didn’t match what we were looking for.

“Perhaps Guidolin doesn’t know Ligue 1 but the most important thing is his desire to have success and he considers Monaco as a quality club.”

Former Genoa boss Guidolin admits he had no qualms about accepting the position.

Guidolin told Corriere dello Sport: “Monaco contacted me a week ago. I went there and I immediately understood it was the right chance.

“I’m pleased they have bet on me to earn good results. I’ve been on a list with other important contemporaries and I won.

“I hope to be equal to this task.”