Marchand Wants Tunisia Job

Etoile Sahel boss Bertrand Marchand says he is interested in taking charge of the Tunisian National team.

Marchand expressed his desire to succeed his fellow Frenchman Roger Lemerre as coach of Tunisia.

The position will become vacant after Tunisia decided not to renew Lemerre's contract when it expires in June.

“I received many offers from French clubs and African teams to coach them but I want the Tunisia job,” Marchand said.

The Tunisian Football Federation have already approached former French internationals Luis Fernandez and Jean Tigana, the former French national team assistant coach Guy Stephan and Vahid Halilhodzic for the post but failed to conclude an agreement with any of them because their financial demands, according to officials of the FFT.

Marchand arrived in Tunisia two years ago. He first took charge of Club Africain before he led Etoile Sahel to the MTN CAF Champions League title in 2007.

He also received the UNECATEF "Coup de Coach” in France in recognition of his achievement.

Marchand also has the backing of Lemerre’s current assistant and former Tunisia captain, Nabil Maloul.

“He is the best man for the job,” said Maloul. “He knows all our players and won trophies with our clubs.

“In addition, he is keen to get the job which is the most important.”