New Lille coach Frederic Antonetti has revealed that he decided to join the French outfit as they are one of the country's most important clubs.

Antonetti had been out of managerial work for two-and-a-half years since leaving Rennes, but the coach has now suggested that he opted to take on the task at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy because of the team's place in history.

"The first thing that struck me was that Lille is in my eyes one of the best French clubs, even though there is currently something of a crisis given recent results," said Antonetti, according to the official Ligue 1 website.

"That's why I'm here, I can't lie. LOSC is one of the cornerstones of French football, and that's why I've opted to take up the challenge."

Antonetti tasted defeat during his first game in charge as Lille lost away at Angers.