Bruno Genesio was 'set to become Newcastle United boss in the summer'

By Andrew Sinclair | 01 October 2019

Former Lyon coach Bruno Genesio reveals that he was set to become Newcastle United boss in the summer as part of a proposed takeover.

Former Lyon coach Bruno Genesio has revealed that he was set to become Newcastle United boss in the summer as part of a proposed takeover.

The Dubai-based Bin Zayed Group were in lengthy discussions with Magpies owner Mike Ashley about purchasing the club, with the Frenchman their preferred choice of manager.

However, when the deal collapsed, Genesio took the job at Beijing Guoan in China, while Newcastle appointed Sheffield Wednesday boss Steve Bruce as their replacement for Rafael Benitez.

Speaking to beIN Sports France, Genesio said: "Everything went really quickly, because I was meant to sign with Newcastle, but the sale then fell through.

"I then decided to take some time off for myself, but towards the end of July, I received a phone call from my agents with an opportunity to go manage in China at Beijing Guoan.

"It just all went quickly. 48 hours later I was on a plane, and four days later I was on the touchline for my first game."

Newcastle have had a torrid start to the season, winning just one game in all competitions, while Guoan are currently second in the Chinese Super League with only five matches of the regular season remaining.