Former AC Milan and Rangers midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed player-coach of Sion.

The Swiss Super League club confirmed on their official website that Victor Munoz had taken a "step back" following a 4-0 defeat at Thun, with 35-year-old former Italy international assuming control of the first team for the rest of the season.

The statement read: "Following Sion's disastrous performance against FC Thun and in the face of the lack of effort showing in the team, the club's board have decided to make the players face their responsibilities.

"To do this, from now until further notice, they will take charge of their own affairs. The club entrusts the responsibility for the group to its captain Gennaro Gattuso."

Gattuso arrived at the Stade Tourbillon as Sion's marquee summer signing after ending a 13-year association with Milan, and the current campaign began with the expectation of a title challenge after a disappointing ninth-placed finish last season.

Despite a strong start, Sion lost three of their last four games to slip to fourth in the table, nine points behind leaders Grasshoppers and five behind second-placed Basel.

Gattuso's first match in charge comes in the form of a Swiss Cup quarter-final trip to Lausanne, where Sion striker Kyle Lafferty - also formerly of Rangers - will hope to add to his four-goal tally for the season.

Gattuso was a 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ winner with Italy.