Ivic returns to Marseille

Croatian coach Tomislav Ivic has agreed to a third stint as coach of Olympique de Marseille, the French first division club announced on Thursday.

Decision by mutual consent
"Chairman Robert-Louis Dreyfus and sporting manager Bernard Tapie have chosen Tomislav Ivic by mutual consent. The new coach will be in Marseille by Friday," said Marseille vice-chairman, Jean-Pierre Klein.

Well-travelled coach
At 68, Ivic is one of the more travelled and experienced coaches in European football. He has previously been in charge of HNK Hadjuk Split, AFC Ajax, RSC Anderlecht, Galatasaray SK, Paris Saint-Germain FC, Club Atlético de Madrid and SL Benfica. He coached Marseille between 1990 and 1992 and was called back for the last four games of last season to save the club from relegation.

No wins so far this season
Although Marseille were saved from the drop, Ivic resigned at the end of July "for personal reasons". He was replaced by assistant coach Jose Anigo, who was sacked a week ago. Marseille are currently third from bottom of the first division without a win in their first five matches of the season.