Sagnol returns to Bayern as Ancelotti assistant

Bayern Munich have confirmed former defender Willy Sagnol will return to the club as assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti.

Sagnol – who has signed a two-year contract – spent nine years at Bayern during his playing career, winning five Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in 2001.

His managerial career has produced less success and he arrives back at Bayern over a year since being sacked by Bordeaux in March 2016.

Reports in Germany suggested Sagnol had been approached by Bayern last week and the club have now appointed the 40-year-old to assist Ancelotti – who had been keen for a former Munich player with coaching experience to be appointed.

He replaces Hermann Gerland – who will run Bayern’s academy – as Paul Clement’s long-term replacement, and will work alongside Ancelotti’s son Davide when he begins his role on July 1.

Welcome back to #FCBayern, Willy #Sagnol! The Frenchman is the new assistant coach to @MrAncelotti. #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/79u0CbK0cm

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) June 9, 2017

“Having lost two of my assistants with Paul Clement leaving during the winter break and Hermann Gerland leaving at the end of the season, I expressed to the board my wish that a new assistant coach be appointed,” said Carlo Ancelotti.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with him [Sagnol].”

Sagnol is relishing the chance to learn from the Italian coach, and bring his family back to the city where he enjoyed great success as a player.

“I’m delighted to move back to Munich with my family,” said the Frenchman.

“It’s a great honour for me to be chosen by Carlo Ancelotti, one of the best and most experienced coaches in the world, and I’m really looking forward to working in his coaching team.”