Montreal, QC (Sports Network) - The Montreal Impact named Marco Schallibaum as its new head coach on Monday, ending a two-month search for a new boss.
The club has been without a manager since Nov. 3 when Montreal parted ways with Jesse Marsch following its first season in MLS.
Schallibaum, 50, has spent most of his time in the Swiss Super League, where he played from 1980-1995, before shifting gears to manage for nearly 10 years in the league with FC Basel, BSC Young Boys and FC Sion among others.
"We are confident that Marco Schallibaum will help us succeed," Montreal sporting director Nick De Santis said in a club statement. "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."
Schallibaum most recently spent time as a FIFA coaching instructor in Qatar, Mongolia and South Korea, and he will open training camp with the Impact on Jan. 21 ahead of the new season.
"From our very first discussion, I felt confidence with the management," Schallibaum said. "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. I will do all I can to help this team win."
With Schallibaum's appointment by Montreal, Red Bull New York is now the only team in MLS without a head coach.
