Recently appointed to the position of executive president of Stade Rennes, the former Lensois manager takes stock of his ambitions, his roadmap
Appointed last Friday executive president of Stade Rennais, Arnaud Pouille reaffirmed Thursday that European qualification remains “the objective” of the club, currently 12th in the Ligue 1 standings. “Europe, you know, yes, that’s the objective and it’s clear and it’s precise”affirmed the new leader during his presentation to the press.
After seven and a half years at the helm of RC Lens, which he had led from Ligue 2 to the Champions League, Mr. Pouille replaced Olivier Cloarec while Rennes finished 10th last year, missing out for the first time Europe for six years. “The trajectory of Stade Rennais, last year, obviously questioned it”estimated the new manager to whom the Pinault family, owner of the club, presented “a very clear roadmap”.
Alban Gréget, president of the club’s board of directors and representative of the Pinault family, praised “a complete experience (and) targeted expertise on what the club wants to do for the coming years” at M. Pouille, described as “a committed, structured, serious, and at the same time engaging personality”.
Stephan not threatened
Despite these disappointing results (two victories, one draw, four defeats), the position of coach Julien Stephan does not seem to be threatened immediately. “Arnaud’s arrival is completely independent of the choice of a coach”assured Mr. Gréget. “Afterwards it is Arnaud and Frédéric (Massara, the sports director) who will manage the club, direct, and therefore ask themselves this question that all managers must constantly ask themselves about their coach”he added.
“I spent a lot, a lot of time with Julien (…) who is constantly looking for solutions”indicated for his part Arnaud Pouille. “He knows that the situation is not easy in terms of results, but I guarantee you that it works, it works, it works”he insisted.
Present on Saturday during the defeat against Monaco (1-2), the new president saw “much better in the will” displayed by players. “The statistics say we should have scored more points by now, but we are in this place. So, we look at it, coldly, and we say to ourselves how to make it gain a place, two places, then we will see a little later where we stand”he concluded.
