Melbourne City has announced their new manager this morning, appointing former Yokohama F. Marinos boss Erick Mombaerts.
The 64-year-old French manager replaces outgoing coach Warren Joyce and brings a wealth of experience from both European and Asian football.
Mombaerts’ most recent job was at Yokohama F. Marinos, where he led his side to the final of the 2017 Emperor’s Cup, however they fell to Cerezo Osaka in extra time. Soon after, he stepped down and was replaced by their current manager Ange Postecoglou.
His time at the Japanese club was a decent one, winning 65 matches, drawing 34 and losing 39 times across all competitions. Yokohama achieved their best position under Mombaerts in 2017, where they finished in fifth place in the J1 League.
Mombaerts’ first professional managerial role took place at PSG in the 1987/88 season, however he could only steer them to 15th position on the table.
In fact, most of his managerial career has been set in France, where he managed clubs such as Toulouse, Le Havre, Cannes and Guingamp. He led Toulouse to the Ligue 2 championship in the 2002/03 season and was awarded the Ligue 2 Manager of the Year that season.
The French manager has also tried his hand at international management, albeit at youth level. In 2007, he took charge of the French U18 squad, while in the year after became manager of the French U21 squad.
Mombaerts is not a name that many people will recognise, however his experience in Asia and in Europe will benefit Melbourne City and give them a boost in their push to win their first A-League Championship.
It is important to note that Mombaerts has worked under the City Football Group, which means that he knows how their system works.
Melbourne City’s first competitive match with Mombaerts at the helm will take place away to Campbelltown City in the FFA Cup, at a date that is yet to be determined.
