Marcelo Bielsa, of Argentina, is presented as the new coach of the French League One soccer club Lille during a press conference at the Domaine de Luchin training center, in Camphin-en-Pevele, near Lille, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)
The Associated Press
LILLE, France (AP) - Three months after his appointment, Marcelo Bielsa was presented as the new coach of Lille on Tuesday. Importantly, he sounded content and ready to work, unlike at his previous two clubs.
He quit Lazio two days after signing on in July 2016, and left Marseille after its French league opening game in August 2015.
"I am happy to be here," Bielsa said. "I feel an enormous responsibility in relation to the task which falls upon me."
Lille, the champion in 2011, was 11th this season, 49 points below champion Monaco.
Bielsa is known for his driven personality, single-mindedness, tough talking, relentless determination to do things only on his terms, and success.
He's coached his native Argentina and Chile to World Cups, and coached clubs to the finals of the Copa Libertadores, Europa League, and Copa del Rey.
Marcelo Bielsa, of Argentina, is presented as the new coach of the French League One soccer club Lille during a press conference at the Domaine de Luchin training center, in Camphin-en-Pevele, near Lille, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)
The Associated Press
Marcelo Bielsa, of Argentina, is presented as the new coach of the French League One soccer club Lille during a press conference at the Domaine de Luchin training center, in Camphin-en-Pevele, near Lille, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)
The Associated Press
Marcelo Bielsa, of Argentina, center, is presented as the new coach of the French League One soccer club Lille during a press conference at the Domaine de Luchin training center, in Camphin-en-Pevele, near Lille, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)
The Associated Press
Chairman of Lille (LOSC), Marc Ingla of Spain, and former Vice President of Spanish club FC Barcelona, poses for photographers during Marcelo Bielsa, of Argentina, is presented as the new coach of the French League One soccer club Lille during a press conference at the Domaine de Luchin training center, near Lille, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)
The Associated Press