PARIS, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux decided to relieve Jocelyn Gourvennec of his duties as head coach on Thursday following the team's recent poor run, and agreed to terminate the contract of 34-year-old captain Jeremy Toulalan.
"As of today, Jocelyn Gourvennec will no longer hold the responsibility of coaching the senior team," Bordeaux said in a statement.
Eric Bedouet, one of Gourvennec's assistants, has temporarily taken charge of the team ahead of an imminent announcement of a new head coach.
Gourvennec, 45, became Bordeaux's head coach in 2016 following his successful six-year stint in Guingamp.
The six-time French top-flight league winners have undergone a slump this season, winning twice in the past 14 league matches, only to sit two points above the relegation zone.
They were also eliminated from French Cup and French League Cup, and bid early farewell to UEFA Europa League, leaving Gourvennec's position quite fragile.
Toulalan joined Bordeaux from Monaco in the same year as Gourvennec. His contract was due to expire at the end of the season.
However, to show solidarity with the head coach, the former French international midfielder requested a termination of his contract, which was later agreed by the club.
"Jeremy had chosen to tie his future to that of Jocelyn Gourvennec," read a statement on the club's website. Enditem
