Renard confirmed as new Sochaux boss

Ligue 1 strugglers Sochaux have confirmed the appointment of former Zambia coach Herve Renard as the club’s new manager.

Renard was widely tipped to succeed Eric Hely as Sochaux’s new manager after the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) announced he was stepping down on Monday.

In a statement, the FAZ said that Renard had “been offered a wonderful opportunity at FC Sochaux” and wished the coach – who led them to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations title – all the best.

And Sochaux announced the appointment later on Monday, confirming the 45-year-old would take over later this week.

Renard will be revealed to the club’s supporters in a presentation at Stade Bonal on Friday.

A familiar face at Sochaux for Renard will be Emmanuel Mayuka, who is on loan from Southampton and was joint-top scorer in Zambia’s 2012 AFCON success.

Renard will be immediately tasked with getting Sochaux out of the relegation zone, with the club 19th in the table with just five points from nine matches.

They were thrashed 4-1 at Bordeaux on Sunday and have conceded 18 goals, the most in Ligue 1.