Jean-Louis Gasset, ex-Montpellier manager, passes away aged 72

Prominent French football manager and iconic personality Jean-Louis Gasset passed away on Friday aged 72, Montpellier, his previous club, has confirmed.

He maintained a strong connection to the team, established by his father Bernard Gasset alongside Louis Nicollin, across much of his career in the sport.

A native of Montpellier, he featured for the side as a midfielder over a decade, completing 231 matches from 1975 until 1985, prior to undertaking three coaching roles, with the most recent one last year.

"He was like a son to the club, impacting everyone around him through his commitment, warmth, and zeal for imparting expertise," the club remarked in an official release, further noting that it had "lost a vital emblematic presence".

"The depth of our grief is vast as we recall his warm smile, unique voice, and clever expressions," the club continued.

His single achievement in charge at Montpellier came via the 1999 Intertoto Cup, while he also acted as a longstanding deputy to Laurent Blanc.

The duo joined forces at Bordeaux and Paris Saint-Germain, in addition to serving the France national team from 2010 to 2012.

Gasset took the helm at various other French outfits, such as Saint-Etienne, Bordeaux, and most lately Marseille.

Additionally, he led Ivory Coast during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, departing during the event, which the Elephants went on to secure on home territory.