CF Montreal name Laurent Ciman among backroom staff to support Hernan Losada | OneFootball

CF Montreal have revealed the backroom staff that will assist new head coach Hernan Losada for the 2023 MLS season.

Losada was unveiled as the replacement for Wilfried Nancy in December after the French tactician left to take over at the Columbus Crew.

Still just 40 years old, Losada will have a big point to prove following a failed spell at DC United between January 2021 and April 2022.

To help Losada on his new journey, former LAFC and Toronto FC defender Laurent Ciman has been named as an assistant coach alongside Sebastian Setti. They're joined by fitness coach Barthélémy Delecroix, assistant fitness coach Stefano Pasquali, and goalkeeper coach Romuald Peiser.

“I am pleased with the addition of two young professionals of great quality to complement my staff,” Losada said in a club press release. “I believe it essential to have colleagues with different knowledge bases and skill sets. As a coach, I strive to surround myself with the very best to continue learning and growing every day.

“Sebastian [Setti] is a passionate fan of the game and team sports. His extensive international experience will be an important asset for communication and inclusion in the group. His coaching licenses, obtained within Spanish institutions, will provide great insights from a tactical-technical point of view, in order to put forward our playing philosophy.

“Barthelemy [Delecroix] is a highly qualified professional who specializes in physical conditioning and athletic workload management. His experience with elite young talent, as well as his work with professionals in a top-five league, Ligue 1, will help us provide the best conditions to maximize player performance, both individually and collectively.”

Montreal recently lost key players such as Djordje Mihailovic (AZ Alkmaar), Alistair Johnston (Celtic), and Ismael Kone (Watford), but have already started strengthening with the signings of defenders George Campbell and Aaron Herrera from Atlanta United and Real Salt Lake, respectively.

The Canadian side finished second in the Eastern Conference last season and despite the high roster turnover, another strong campaign will be anticipated by supporters.