Makelele announced as new Bastia coach

Claude Makelele has been confirmed as the new Bastia coach after signing a two-year deal.

Speculation has been rife this week linking Makelele with Bastia and the 41-year-old has now been installed as Frederic Hantz’s successor in what is his first managerial role.

Hantz left at the end of the Ligue 1 season following a four-year tenure as his contract expired, while Makelele’s move to Bastia ends his spell at Paris Saint-Germain.

Makelele has worked as assistant coach at PSG since ending his player career at the French champions in 2011.

Bastia finished 10th in Ligue 1 in 2013-14 under Hantz and Makelele will be tasked with helping to push for Europe.

Didier Tholot has also joined Makelele at Bastia as the former France international’s assistant.

Makelele will formally put pen to paper on his contract on Monday.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi paid tribute to Makelele, as he told the club’s official website: “I would like to thank Claude for his important contribution to our team’s brilliant results, both in France and in Europe.

“We are all conscious of his role he played alongside Laurent Blanc and Carlo Ancelotti in the remarkable progression of the team.

“Claude always showed his attachment to the club and was always totally committed to serving our professional first team. In despite of our wishes to keep him here with us, I understand his desire to take the next step in his career and become the head coach of a Ligue 1 club.

“I wish him all the very best in his new position and congratulate the Sporting Club de Bastia for offering Claude such a deserved role. The Parc des Princes will always remain his home, where the fans will remember the elegance and quality of his football for years to come.”