French star Vercoutre to coach Impact’s goalkeepers

Recently retired French goalkeeper Rémy Vercoutre was appointed the Montreal Impact first team’s goalkeeping coach, the MLS club announced on Tuesday. “Although heavily solicited in France following his recent retirement from the professional game, Rémy was attracted by the Montreal Impact’s project to begin his transition, and I couldn’t be happier,” Impact head coach Rémi Garde said in a release. “He will be responsible for the preparation and training of our goalies in collaboration with Joël Bats. Rémy is extremely motivated by the idea of transmitting everything he’s learned over the years during his career as a goalkeeper, notably the ones spent working under Joël. He’s therefore well-placed to continuing in Joël’s footsteps.” Vercoutre, 38, played 240 games in Ligue 1 with HSC Montpellier, Olympique Lyonnais, Racing Strasbourg and SM Caen. He won the French title five times, while lifting a Coupe de France, a Coupe de la Ligue and two Trophées des Champions during a career that spanned 20 years. Vercoutre was under the tutelage of Impact goalkeeping guru Bats while playing for Lyon (200214) and was coached by Garde at Lyon (2011-14). “It’s an honour to join the Impact’s ranks in 2019,” Vercoutre said. “The past 20 years have allowed me to gain valuable experience as a player and goalkeeper, and it’s time to pass on what I’ve learned. ... I’m impatiently waiting to begin working with the rest of the staff to bring this project to fruition and help the Impact reach the highest level possible.”