Aston Villa appointed Frenchman Remi Garde as their new manager on Monday.
Garde, 49, has signed a contract to lead Villa until the end of the 2018-19 season and takes over a club languishing in last place in the Premier League with just one win from their opening 10 games of the season.
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The former Arsenal midfielder enjoyed a hugely successful spell in charge of Lyon from 2011-14 as he led the Ligue 1 to two domestic trophies and the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League with a young team playing a dynamic brand of soccer.
Speaking to Villa’s website, Garde had the following to say.
“It is an unbelievable honor to be the manager of such an illustrious football club,” Garde said. “I’ve had extremely positive meetings with both the owner, Randy Lerner, and Chief Executive Tom Fox. They have ambitious plans for the Club and I’m excited that they have turned to me to help them realize them. Obviously we have a difficult task in front of us but I’m looking forward to the challenge with the support of everyone who loves Aston Villa.”
Caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald will take charge of the team for their clash at White Hart Lane against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday (Watch live, 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN and online via Live Extra) while Garde is expected to be in North London watching his new team from the stands. Garde will be familiar with many of Villa’s players as they signed Jordan Amavi, Jordan Veretout, Jordan Ayew and Idrissa Gueye from Ligue 1 clubs this summer.
Aston Villa’s American owner Randy Lerner fired Tim Sherwood last week after the passionate English manager lost eight of his opening 10 games this season and Garde will have a tough task on his hands to not only achieve lofty expectations long-term at Villa but to also stave off relegation this season.