Halilhodzic to leave LOSC

Lille OSC coach Vahid Halilhodzic has confirmed he is leaving the club at the end of the season.

New challenge wanted
The 49-year-old, who lifted LOSC from the second division into a UEFA Champions League contender, wants a new challenge away from France with sides in Italy, Spain and Greece interested in his services. "I am hungry to win titles," he said. "It will be at a big club capable of winning in Europe."

Parma upset
Since joining the northern club in 1998, Halilhodzic has become a legend, lifting the northern minnows from the backwaters of French football to third in Le Championnat last May. They then upset Parma AC over two legs in the summer to reach the first group stage of the Champions League.

On for UEFA Cup place
LOSC's domestic campaign has not been so successful this season. They are fifth, six points adrift of third-placed AJ Auxerre, the occupants of the last Champions League qualifying place. However, a UEFA Cup position looks likely for 2002/03.

New stadium
Whoever takes over will find a club looking to the future. In a year's time, the Grimonprez-Jooris stadium will be demolished, and work will begin on a new on a new 35,000-seat venue at the end of next season. It should take 12 to 18 months to complete. LOSC were forced to play this season's home games in the Champions League at RC Lens's Félix-Bollaert stadium since the Grimonprez-Jooris does not meet UEFA regulations.