Lille Manager Bruno Genesio Bereaved, Assistant to Take Charge
Lille manager Bruno Genesio is in mourning following the death of his father, the club confirmed on Friday. The 59-year-old coach was absent from the club's pre-match press conference ahead of their Ligue 1 fixture against Toulouse this weekend. The club, in a statement posted on its social media channels, offered its condolences to Genesio, stating, "The LOSC, through its President Olivier Létang and all its components, extends its most sincere condolences to its coach, Bruno Genesio, who is grieving the loss of his father. All our thoughts are with our coach, his family and loved ones."
Assistant manager Dimitri Farbos is expected to take charge of the team for the crucial Ligue 1 match against Toulouse on Sunday. The fixture is significant for Lille's ambitions of securing European football next season, as the club is currently in a tight race for a European qualification spot. The team is coming off a major victory in the northern derby against RC Lens.
Genesio, who has been at the helm of Lille since 2022, is a highly respected figure in French football, having previously managed Lyon and the Chinese club Beijing Guoan. His father's passing comes at a critical juncture in Lille's season, as the club pushes for a top-five finish in Ligue 1. The club has asked for privacy for Genesio and his family during this period.
The team is expected to wear black armbands in Sunday's match as a mark of respect. It remains unclear when Genesio will return to the touchline, with Farbos prepared to lead the team for the immediate future. The club has not specified a timeline for Genesio's return to the sidelines, stating that the focus is currently on supporting the coach and his family. The players are expected to be highly motivated to secure a result in Toulouse to honor their manager during a difficult personal time.
