FC Metz have announced the appointment of Luc Holtz as their new manager, with the Luxembourger signing a two-year contract with the club. The 56-year-old arrives in Metz following the departure of Benoît Tavenot, who failed to secure a single Ligue 1 victory during his tenure.
Holtz joins Metz after most recently managing Waldorf Mannheim in the German third tier. His appointment marks a fourth attempt by the club to secure his services, with Holtz having been considered as a potential replacement for Philippe Hinschberger in 2017 and Lazlo Bölöni several years later. There was also interest from Metz following the departure of Le Mignan earlier this season, but Holtz was unable to leave his post at Waldorf Mannheim at that time.
According to Ici Lorraine, the club had long considered Holtz a viable option, demonstrating a sustained interest in his managerial qualities. The persistence of the Metz board has ultimately paid off, with Holtz tasked with guiding the club back to Ligue 1 after a disappointing season.
Notably, Holtz has a proven track record of securing victories, a characteristic that sets him apart from his predecessor. The club will be hoping he can instill a winning mentality and stability after a period of upheaval. His experience as the former manager of the Luxembourg national team will also be viewed as a valuable asset.
The appointment of Holtz signals a clear intent from FC Metz to stabilise and rebuild, aiming for a more consistent performance in the seasons to come. His long-term contract suggests the club is placing significant faith in his ability to achieve sustained success.
