Jean Fernandez vowed to revive the fortunes of Marseille have appointed Jean Fernandez as their new coach, following the sacking of Phillipe Troussier after a disappointing season for the club.

Fernandez returns for his second spell as Marseille coach after guiding Metz to survival in the French top flight.

The 50-year-old replaces Phillipe Troussier, who was dismissed on June 2 after a poor run at the end of last season which meant Marseille finished fifth and failed to qualify for the Champions League or UEFA Cup.

Fernandez played for Marseille from 1975 to 1980 and was coached the team from July to November 1992.

“For Marseille, the goal is to play in the Champions League or in Europe (the UEFA Cup),” Fernandez told Reuters.

“But the most important thing is to restore credibility in their game and become competitive again in the (French) championship, which was not the case at the end of last season.

“In football you can never guess anything. You know it’s difficult at Marseille. The most important thing is to prepare well and get a good start to the season. After that things are easier,” he said.

“It’s always special when you return to Marseille. It’s the capital of football. What you see in the Velodrome, you don’t see anywhere else.”