The 60-year-old Frenchman needed no introductions with the Morocco fans after being announced manager for a second spell in seven years with the North Africans. Michel was in charge of Zamalek before joining Morocco in August 2007, following a desperate attempt to revamp the underperforming Egyptian giants. An ample CV involves a host of successful spells as manager of European, African and Asian teams, and also starting with a fine pedigree as a player. Michel holds the record number of 532 caps won for Nantes throughout his 16-year playing career with the French outfit. Major achievements as coach includes winning the 1984 Olympics gold medal with France, as well as leading Les Bleus to third place in the 1986 World Cup Mexico. However, Michel's career-low came two years later when he failed to qualify to the Euro 1988 with France, a blow which had its influence on his European career. His previous experience with Morocco saw him guide the Atlas Lions to the 1998 World Cup France, where they were knocked out of the group stage, but earned the world's respect for some entertaining football. He also led Ivory Coast to a first-ever World Cup appearance in Germany 2006, establishing a deadly team for the Elephants.
