At the end of last month, BlueCo, a consortium led by English powerhouse Chelsea's owner Paulie, made a decisive move to buy French Ligue 1 powerhouse Strasbourg. The move really shook up the soccer world, and then, on Monday (3), they made a big announcement: they hired former Crystal Palace leader Vela as the team's manager, and the two sides signed a three-year contract. Chelsea is expected to send young players to Strasbourg in the coming year, helping them to make another success in Ligue 1.
Vela, who is 47 years old, was released by Crystal Palace on the eve of the end of last season. Returning to the French soccer stage to coach Strasbourg this time, he said excitedly at the press conference, "I am well aware of Strasbourg's historical position and influence in French soccer, and the team's rebuilding path in recent years has been quite solid. Today, we will start a new journey, and I am honored to be able to participate in this grand plan as a coach, and I am extremely proud."
