Today, the Montreal Impact announced that Marco Schällibaum, 50, was appointed new head coach, replacing Jesse Marsch, who led the Impact to finish 12th overall in their expansion MLS season.
Marco Schällibaum, a native of Switzerland, coached close to 10 years in the Swiss first division Super League for FC Basel, BSC Young Boys, Servette FC, FC Sion, FC Schaffhausen and AC Bellinzona. Schällibaum led the BSC Young Boys and Servette FC to consecutive UEFA Cup qualifications in 2002-2003 and the following year, respectively.
In 2011 and 2012, he was appointed by FIFA as a coaching instructor and worked in Qatar, Mongolia and South Korea. He obtained his UEFA Pro coaching certification in 2002 and speaks four languages: German, French, Italian and English.
“[Schällibaum] has a lot of experience at a very high level and has acquired a lot of knowledge over the years," said Impact sporting director Nick De Santis.
"Over the different meetings, we felt a real desire on his part to come to MLS and to this club. With the rest of the technical staff, we will put him in the best situation possible in order to help him adapt quickly to the reality of North America. He is also very passionate about the game and is an excellent communicator that speaks a number of languages.”
Schällibaum started his pro coaching career in third division with Stade Nyonnais in 1995 and in second division sides Concordia Basel and FC Lugano in the Challenge League.
As a player, Schällibaum had a 15 year career in the Swiss first division from 1980 to 1995, playing more than 450 games with Grasshopper Zurich, FC Basel, Servette FC and FC Luzerne, winning three league titles. He also played in 50 Swiss Cup games, winning the title in 1983 with Grasshopper Zurich. During that time, he made 31 appearances for the Swiss national team from 1983 to 1988.
"The club is passionate about the game, like me, and is made up of people who are passionate as well and who want to go in the same direction, said Schällibaum. "I watched a few of the team’s games from last season on video. We have a good roster with quality players and I saw a lot on character on the field.”
Montreal prepare for 2013 season
The Impact kick off their next training camp in Montreal on January 21. For the second consecutive year, the Impact will play in the preseason Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic tournament in Orlando, Florida from February 9 to 23.
The Montreal Impact kicks off the 2013 season on March 2 against the Sounders FC in Seattle. The Montreal's home opener is on Saturday, March 16 against Toronto FC at Olympic Stadium.
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