Alain André Christian Perrin (born 7 October 1956) is a French professional football manager and former player. Perrin made his managerial breakthrough at Troyes, whom he took from the fourth tier to Ligue 1 and UEFA Cup qualification by winning the 2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup. He won the Coupe de France with Sochaux in 2007, and the league and cup double for Lyon a year later. Abroad, Perrin worked for several years in Qatar and had brief spells in the United Arab Emirates and with Portsmouth in the Premier League. Internationally, he led China at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. Early life Alain André Christian Perrin was born on 7 October 1956 in Lure, Haute-Saône. Managerial career Troyes Perrin began his coaching career at Nancy in 1983, as junior coach to Arsène Wenger. He built up a reputation as a talented young coach whilst at the club, and was appointed to run the club's academy. In 1993, Perrin had his first chance at management, taking over as manager of French National 2 (fourth division) club Troyes AC, quickly taking the club to Ligue 1 after three promotions in six seasons, and qualifying for the UEFA Cup. His side won the 2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup on the away goals rule after a 4–4 draw at Newcastle United. Marseille In May 2002, Perrin signed a three-year deal to succeed Bernard Tapie as manager of Olympique de Marseille. He was dismissed in January 2004 with the team in sixth, having lost 9 of their last 15 games. Days after leaving the Stade Vélodrome, Perrin was linked to a number of managerial positions around Europe, including at Premier League club Southampton. However, in July 2004 he was named manager of Al-Ain in the UAE Pro League, and remained there for three months. Portsmouth On 7 April 2005, Perrin did move to the Premier League when he took over at Portsmouth; the club were in 16th place and four points above relegation with seven games to go. On 24 April his side beat rivals Southampton 4–1 in the South Coast derby, a result that contributed to Pompey staying up and Saints being relegated. On 24 November 2005 Perrin was sacked by Portsmouth, having won only twice all season. Return to France Perrin returned to Ligue 1 in May 2006, taking over a Sochaux side that had just finished 15th under Dominique Bijotat. On 12 May