MONTPELLIER, France — Montpellier, currently at the bottom of the Ligue 1 standings, has appointed Zoumana Camara as its new head coach in a desperate effort to avoid relegation this season.
The 46-year-old Camara, who lacks prior experience managing a men’s professional team, steps in for the recently departed Jean-Louis Gasset. Despite his inexperience at this level, Camara brings a wealth of experience from his playing days. His career as a central defender saw him plying his trade at well-known clubs such as Saint-Etienne, Inter Milan, Marseille, Leeds, Lens, and Paris Saint-Germain. Following his playing career, he has spent time as an assistant coach at Paris Saint-Germain, as well as leading the club’s under-19 side.
Facing a challenging season, Montpellier finds itself occupying the last spot on the league table during its 50th anniversary year. The team is currently eight points adrift from Saint-Etienne, with only six matches remaining to turn their fortunes around. The threat of relegation looms, as the league’s structure dictates that the bottom two teams will drop to the second division.
Historically, Montpellier has enjoyed moments of triumph, clinching their only Ligue 1 title in 2012. In addition, the club captured the second division title in 1987 and lifted the French Cup in 1990, a squad that once featured notable players such as Eric Cantona, Laurent Blanc, and Julio Cesar.