Standard appoint D'Onofrio as coach
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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R. Standard de Liège will go into their round of 32 tie against FC Salzburg with a new coach after Dominique D'Onofrio replaced László Bölöni with the Eerste Klasse titleholders 19 points off the pace.
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László Bölöni has resigned as coach of R. Standard de Liège just over a week before they begin their UEFA Europa League campaign against FC Salzburg, with Dominique D'Onofrio handed the reins until the end of the season.
The 56-year-old Bölöni, who was appointed in summer 2008 and ensured Standard retained the Belgian title in his first season, has had a more difficult second campaign. With his side sixth in the Eerste Klasse, 19 points adrift of pacesetters RSC Anderlecht, the Romanian has opted to leave despite leading Standard to third in their UEFA Champions League group, earning a place in the UEFA Europa League round of 32 in which they face Salzburg on 18 and 25 February.
A club statement read: "Due to the current situation of the team, László Bölöni today offered his resignation as head coach of Standard de Liège. His contract therefore was ended by mutual consent. Also by mutual consent, the contract of assistant Joachim Preto has been terminated. The board wants to thank László Bölöni for his achievements since his arrival in July 2008, at national as well as European level."
D'Onofrio, brother of vice-president Lucien, has been installed at the helm. The 55-year-old was Standard's technical director between 2002 and 2006.
