Sylvain Ripoll has been appointed as the new manager of Lorient.

The French outfit finished their season in eighth place in the Ligue 1 table, but manager Christian Gourcuff decided to step down following the expiration of his contract.

"I am very happy with this news and very honoured with the faith that's been put in me," UEFA.com quotes Ripoll as saying. "I'm determined to take on this fantastic challenge to begin an excellent adventure. I've identified myself with this club for several years, and the philosophy that's been put in place matches mine.

"I'm eager to face this challenge to take the club further. The club have a fine heritage and a new adventure is starting. It's down to us to be up to the task and carry on along the same path. There's real excitement and huge motivation."

Ripoll previously played for Lorient from 1995 to 2003 and made over 200 appearances for the club.