Claude Makelele quits Premier League strugglers Swansea to join Belgian side KAS Eupen as head coach
Paul Clement is now searching for a new assistant coach after the Frenchman confirmed his departure from the Liberty Stadium
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SWANSEA CITY have been rocked by the news France legend Claude Makelele has left the club.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder has quit his role as assistant coach to take charge of Belgian side Kas Eupen.
That leaves struggling Swans boss Paul Clement searching for a new addition with his team second bottom of the Premier League.
His exit will come as a big blow to the Liberty Stadium chief, with Saturday's defeat at home to Brighton being their fifth in six matches.
Makelele said: "You never know if it's the right time to take the step into management. But I've been given a good opportunity and a good project to manage for the next few years."
A Swansea statement read: "Everyone at Swansea City would like to thank Claude for his contribution to the club, and wish him well in his career."
Makelele only joined Clement's back room staff back in January.
The pair knew each other from their time working together under manager Carlo Ancelotti at Paris Saint-Germain.
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But now the 44-year-old has opted to leave the club to venture out for just his second taste of management.
Makelele takes over a Eupen side facing a relegation fight themselves.
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They are currently bottom of the Belgian top-flight and have only won two matches out of 14 this campaign.
His only other previous experience of being a manager did not last long.
Following his time as assistant at PSG he was appointed boss of French outfit Bastia in May 2014.
CLAUDE MAKELELE STATEMENT
"I’ve really enjoyed my time at Swansea, especially helping the club secure its Premier League status last season.
"I’d like to thank the owners, chairman and the manager for giving me the opportunity.
"The experience has given me a lot of positives to help me in my managerial career in the future.
"I hope I’ve been able to give something back to the club along the way.
"It’s a wonderful football club; a real family club that’s been a pleasure to serve.
"I’d like to thank everyone for the welcome and help I’ve received in Swansea from the back-room staff to the fans."
But he was sacked after less than six months in charge following a 1-0 defeat to Guingamp that November.
Makelele enjoyed an amazing playing career and won a host of honours.
After breaking through at Nantes, he went on to play for Marseille, Celta Vigo, Real Madrid, Chelsea and PSG before retiring in 2011.
He won titles in France, Spain and England as well as the Champions League in 2002 while at the Bernabeu.
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