Girard named as Nantes coach
BRIEFS
Rene Girard has been named as the new head coach of Nantes. The 62-year-old has agreed a deal to take charge for the next two seasons and will assume the role once Michel Der Zakarian steps down at the end of the current campaign. His official presentation will take place on May 17 at the Stade de la Beaujoire. Girard, a three-time Ligue 1 champion with Bordeaux as a player, guided Montpellier to their first and only title in 2012 before spending two seasons in charge at Lille.
Coates extends Sporting loan until 2017
Sunderland defender Sebastian Coates has extended his loan deal with Sporting CP until the end of next season, the Portuguese club have confirmed. The Uruguay international moved to Sporting in January and has since played a key part in their challenge for the Primeira Liga title, with Jorge Jesus’ side two points behind leaders Benfica. Coates later took to Instagram to express his delight at having extended his stay at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Sanches thanks Benfica after Bayern switch
Renato Sanches paid tribute to Benfica after the confirmation of his transfer to Bayern Munich on Tuesday. The 18-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Bundesliga champions and will join at the end of the season for €35million – a fee which could rise to €80m depending on success-related bonuses. Sanches expressed his pride at having secured a move to Bayern but insisted he remains fully focused on Benfica’s quest for a domestic double, with the leaders ending their league campaign against Nacional on Sunday before the Taca da Liga final against Maritimo next weekend.
