Jean Fernandez has stepped down as Montpellier Hérault SC coach in the wake of Wednesday's 2-0 home loss to FC Lorient.

The 59-year-old replaced René Girard in the summer, but the 2011/12 French champions sit 17th in Ligue 1 and following Fernandez’s departure former Montpellier defender Pascal Baills has been named caretaker. "I quit in the interest of the club," Fernandez said.