Garcia quits as Marseille manager ‘for the good of the project’

Rudi Garcia has quit as coach of Marseille after two and a half years in charge of the Ligue 1 club.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of his side’s final game of the season at home to Montpellier on Friday, and sitting alongside president Jacques-Henri Eyraud, Garcia, quoted by France Football, said: “I have decided to leave.”

Garcia, 55, who had signed a contract extension in October through to the end of the 2020-21 season, added: “I proposed this solution to my president, who accepted it.

“If I listen to reason, I must stop this adventure. For the good of the project, it is better that we separate now.”

Just a year ago Garcia led Marseille to the Europa League final, only for his men to be beaten 3-0 by Atletico Madrid.

This season the club bowed out of the competition at the group stage, embarrassingly lost to National 2 side Andrezieux in the Coupe de France, and can finish no higher than fifth in the league this season, therefore missing out on European football next term.

Eyraud said: “I have a lot of respect for Rudi. He will remain forever as the coach who brought OM to the European final.”

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

FourFourTwo Staff

FourFourTwo was launched in 1994 on the back of a World Cup that England hadn’t even qualified for. It was an act of madness… but it somehow worked out. Our mission is to offer our intelligent, international audience access to the game’s biggest names, insightful analysis... and a bit of a giggle. We unashamedly love this game and we hope that our coverage reflects that.