Ligue 1 outfit Ajaccio have announced that coach Olivier Pantaloni has left his post and that the club are in the market for a new manager.
Coach moves on after guiding club to Ligue 1 safety
Ajaccio have announced that coach Olivier Pantaloni has left his post and that the club are in the market for a new manager.
The Ligue 1 outfit confirmed the news on Wednesday, before making a further announcement on Thursday.
Pantaloni has severed ties with the club after successfully keeping them in the French top flight in 2011/12.
He led them to a 16th place finish in their first season back among the elite, but has taken the decision to move on despite calls from president Alain Orsoni for him to stay.
A statement released by Orsoni on the club's
official website read: "Olivier has decided not to continue in his post.
Gratitude
"The decision is his and must be respected. We had a long discussion and, despite my disappointment, I have no choice but to accept his decision.
"He leaves with my gratitude and affection. He was the architect of our promotion and managed to consolidate us last season under difficult conditions.
"On behalf of the entire club, officials, staff and players, I express our appreciation of a talented coach and a man of conviction.
"Whatever his reasons for stepping back, we are confident he will bounce back in his career and that very soon he will be back on the football field.
"We wish him good luck for the future."
