Ex Charlton Athletic star appointed at Champions League club

The former defender only spent a short time with Charlton Athletic, but it was a memorable one.

Djimi Traore, a former Charlton Athletic and Liverpool defender, has found a new job after spending the last five years developing potential at the Right to Dream academy.

Get According to French Football News, the 44-year-old will take over as manager of AS Monaco’s youth team, which is a surprising move for the former player. Traore, who played for the team from 2009 to 2011, will take over for Damien Perrinelle.

Thiago Scuro, Monaco’s CEO, told the outlet: “We have a new coach for the Groupe Élite, Djimi Traoré. We are really happy. He has a great vision for the game and is a former club player.

He showed a lot of ambition in coming here. He has extensive experience in developing players. He will arrive soon. He will serve as Groupe Élite’s head coach.

AS Monaco finished second in Ligue 1 last season, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League the following season.

Clubs who qualify for that competition also have academy teams competing in the UEFA Youth League, which could be an appealing prospect for the former professional.

Traore is most remembered for his 141 appearances for Liverpool from 1999 to 2006, including starting the Champions League final against AC Milan in 2005, when the Reds rallied from 3-0 down to win on penalties.

The midfielder also won the FA and League Cups.

After leaving Liverpool, the Mali international joined Charlton Athletic, where he played during the 2006/07 season.

His spell, which began with a red card on his debut, was brief, as Alan Pardew allowed him to depart the club midway through his first season to join Portsmouth.

He went on to play for Rennes, Birmingham City, and Marseille before retiring and serving as an assistant coach for the Seattle Sounders in the United States.