French Ligue 1 club, Lille have announced that Brazil assistant coach Davide Ancelotti, the son of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, will take over as their new head coach making him direct replacement to former manager, Bruno Genesio.
The 36-year-old tactician has signed a two-year contract to lead the Ligue 1 team. However, club officials did not clarify whether he will step down from his role on his father’s Brazil coaching staff prior to the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
This high-profile move marks the second official head-coaching stint for the AC Milan academy product. He previously spent six months gaining valuable experience at the helm of Brazilian top-flight outfit Botafogo last year.
Expressing his excitement about the new venture, the Italian manager expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity. “I’m very proud and happy,” Ancelotti said. “It’s an honour to represent Lille.”
He further praised the club’s structure and forward-thinking football philosophy. “They are a serious, ambitious, competitive club who are regularly playing European football,” he added.
Lille secured a coveted spot in the Champions League for next season after a strong domestic campaign. They finished third in Ligue 1, sitting 15 points behind the reigning champions, Paris Saint-Germain.
The newly appointed manager will have a few months to prepare his squad for the domestic challenge ahead. The upcoming Ligue 1 campaign is scheduled to kick off on the weekend of August 22–23.