Rudi Garcia named new coach of Ligue 1 side Marseille

Marseille have named former Lille and Roma boss Rudi Garcia as their new head coach.

Garcia, who was sacked by Roma in January, replaces Franck Passi who had been interim coach since Michel's departure in April.

The 52-year-old Garcia has signed a three-year contract at the Stade Velodrome and inherits a side who are 12th in the Ligue 1 standings ahead of Sunday's showdown with arch-rivals Paris St Germain.

The coaching change comes three days after the 2010 French champions were taken over by American businessman Frank McCourt in a reported 45million euros (£40.5million) deal.

A club statement read: "Marseille are pleased to announce the appointment of Rudi Garcia as coach of the professional team.

"Rudi Garcia has signed a three-year contract and will take up the post from October 21, 2016."

Frenchman Garcia sprang to prominence in 2011 when he led Lille to the league and cup double - the first time the club had won either trophy since the 1950s.

After five years at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Garcia took charge of Italian side Roma in 2013 and guided them to runner-up finishes in Serie A in 2014 and 2015 before being dismissed earlier this year.

Garcia, who had managerial spells at Le Mans, Dijon and St Etienne earlier in his career, faces a baptism of fire in his new job as Marseille travel to reigning champions PSG this weekend

Marseille have suffered 10 successive defeats in 'Le Classique', with their last victory over PSG coming back in 2011.