Former Lille coach Vahid Halilhodzic has been appointed new coach of Rennes after the club sacked Philippe Bergeroo following their disappointing start to the season.

The club currently lie bottom spot in Le Championnat, recording just one win in their opening ten games.

The former Paris Saint Germain coach was understandably disapppointed at his dismissal.

“I am somewhat surprised, as I had just come back from a training session and they asked me to come back from our next game against Sedan with a point,’ he said.

“But, this is what can happen to any coach. I do, though, think the team is improving.”

Halilhodzic revealed that he turned down a number of offers to take the Rennes post.

Speaking to L’Equipe, he said: “I got the first phone call a few days ago. Ithought a lot about it because the challenge is risky, but I was eager to find a job that will bring joy.”

H “There were other solutions in France and abroad. I could even have joined a club that is playing Champions League football.

“But the French challenge is appealing to me. I know with Rennes it will be very hard. The situation is unacceptable.

“The Pinault family have invested a lot, they trusted a lot of people and I believe that they feel betrayed.

“We met on Sunday and had a good talk. I will meet the technical staff and the whole club on Monday.

“I repeat, it is a risky challenge but I am not afraid. I am used to such situations.”