Official: Former Paris assistant coach Zoumana Camara officially takes over Montpellier, with a term until 2027

Montpellier announced on Tuesday that Zoumana Camara will replace Jean-Louis Gasset as first team coach with immediate effect. The two parties have signed a two-year contract until June 30, 2027.

Zumana Camara, now only 46 years old, was born in Colombes, northwest of Paris, France. As a player, he played for clubs such as Saint-Etienne, Inter Milan, Empoli, Bastia, Marseille, Lens, Leeds United, and Paris Saint-Germain. After retiring in 2015, he immediately became an assistant coach for Paris Saint-Germain.

Camara served as an assistant to Laurent Blanc and Thomas Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain and was responsible for youth training for a long time. After leaving the team in June 2024, he became a television consultant for DAZN.

Montpellier has not had a good record this season, ranking last in Ligue 1 with 4 wins, 3 draws, 21 losses and 15 points after 28 rounds. They are currently 12 points behind relegation, and relegation is basically a foregone conclusion. As a result, Montpellier fired Jean-Louis Gasset, who has only led the team to 3 wins, 2 draws and 16 losses since taking office.

Regarding Camara's appointment, Montpellier chairman Laurent Nicolin explained: "We are not giving him a gift, but looking ahead to next season and starting preparations in advance. We hope to build a competitive team and strive to return to Ligue 1...even if we are eventually relegated."

"As long as there is a glimmer of hope, we still have the possibility of rebirth. We will keep moving forward," Nicolin concluded.

According to official news, Camara will officially take office accompanied by assistant coach Nicolas Damonte. This is Camara's first time as a first-team coach at Montpellier and he is expected to make his debut against Angers on Sunday.

"The current situation is quite complicated," Kamara said after completing the signing. "However, I am involved at this time to prepare for the future, but also to help evaluate the current situation and better understand the team."

"Some decisions will need to be made quickly in the future in terms of the squad. Rather than pointing out individual players with problems, I would rather start from this afternoon to restore the team's collective nature. My most important ability is to be able to adapt to changes, whether it is to adapt to the current environment or to adapt to the squad. If the characteristics of certain players do not match my tactical philosophy, I will not be stubborn."

"After 16 years in Paris, I am eager to control the game. However, our main goal is to regain the fighting spirit and fun that the team has lost in recent weeks."