Genesio replaces Fonseca as Lille coach

Find the biggest stories from across the soccer world by visiting our Top Soccer News section and subscribing to push notifications.

Bruno Genesio was appointed Lille's new coach on Wednesday to replace Paulo Fonseca, the French Ligue 1 club announced.

The former Rennes and Lyon coach "has signed a two-year contract", Lille said shortly after disclosing that Fonseca was leaving the club after two years at the helm.

"It was obvious to us that Paulo would leave, at which point Bruno was the only coach we contacted and spoke to," said club president Olivier Letang in the Lille statement.

"Bruno has a wealth of experience in football, both in Ligue 1 and in European competitions.

"He has achieved positive results with all the teams he has coached. His vision, working methods and management style are totally in line with what we're looking for."

Lille finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season, just missing out on an automatic place in next season's Champions League - they will play in the qualifying rounds instead.

They also reached the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League under Fonseca, losing on penalties to Aston Villa.

"It's been a wonderful adventure, both professionally and personally," said Letang. "I wish him every success with his future club."