Marseille suspend head coach Michel

Ligue 1 club Marseille have suspended head coach Michel on the eve of their Coupe de France semi-final against Sochaux.

French media have reported in recent weeks that the relationship between club president Vincent Labrune and Michel has become fragile, with Marseille on a seven-game winless run.

That dip in form has seen Marseille, who finished fourth last season, slump to 15th in Ligue 1.

A club statement read: "Given the behaviour of Michel, notably during these last three weeks, the professional sports limited company of Olympique Marseille has suspended him with immediate effect and summoned him to a preliminary interview.

"Until the end of the season, Franck Passi, assistant coach, will oversee the team and will be assisted in his mission by Basile Boli, who is named as sports co-ordinator."

Marseille have won a record 10 Coupes de France but not triumphed in the competition since 1989.