Jardim takes the reins at Monaco

AS Monaco FC have unveiled former Sporting Clube de Portugal coach Leonardo Jardim as their new coach, with the 39-year-old signing a contract to replace Claudio Ranieri until 2016.

After taking Sporting to second place in Portugal last term, the former Olympiacos FC and SC Braga coach will take command at the Stade Louis II. "I am very happy to work for Monaco as it is a big club," announced Jardim. "I fully believe in this project and I think that this group can go far. The first thing is to start learning to speak French. I have been taking lessons for a few days now, it is question of respect towards the supporters, and the people of Ligue 1."

"He is a manager who has obtained excellent results with all of his previous clubs," said the club's vice president Vadim Vasilyev about the Venezuela-born coach. "He has a strong motivation and is part of a new generation of managers with new dynamics. He is ambitious, just like us."

The 2004 UEFA Champions League finalists will return to the competition's group stage next season after a second-placed finish in France and strengthened their squad on Friday with the capture of France Under-21 goalkeeper Paul Nardi. The 20-year-old joins on a five-year contract after a €2.5 million deal was arranged with Ligue 2 side AS Nancy-Lorraine, where he will stay on loan next season.