This season, six young players from Stade de Reims were loaned to perfect their development and enjoy new educational experiences. Yann Kombouaré, deputy sports director, gives us news of their journey during this first part of the 2024-2025 season:
Close monitoring
“I call them every week, confides Yann Kombouaré, “IHe communicates with them before and after each of their matches. They give me feedback on their week and their performance. I also watch all their meetings to analyze their progress and best support them in their development.
National performances
Two Reims players played in the National during this first part of the season. This is the case of Arthur Tchaptchetloaned to US Concarneau where he was able to adapt to his new environment. This solid 1m80 central defender took up the challenge of joining an ambitious club, with the desire to return to Ligue 2. A starter in the Coupe de France and during the last two league matches, Arthur was able to gain the trust of his coach, satisfied with the contribution of the young player. “It’s a very satisfactory loan, explains Yann KombouaréArthur has a very endearing personality. His integration into the locker room is perfect, and he is very happy in Brittany. We expect him to assert himself more in the second half of the season, because he has the ability.”
For his part, Christ Smalltop scorer in National 3 last season with the Pro 2 group, joined FC Rouen this summer. After a delicate adaptation period marked by a change of coach, the young striker took the time to adjust to the level and overcome his shyness to integrate into the Rouen squad. Gradually, Christ made his place and became a key part of the team, participating in every meeting. “He is very happy there and feels perfectly integrated into the club. He wants to continue to progress and prove that he has the level to play in the National.”
Experiences abroad
Several young players from Reims are continuing their progress abroad this season. Among them, Diarra of Thiemoloaned to Hapoel Haifa, in the Israeli first division. After a period of adaptation, the young striker quickly established himself as an indisputable starter.
“He thrives on the pitch. He is a very impactful player, capable of creating imbalances, formidable in one-on-one situations, and valuable for the team.” Currently fifth in the championship, Thiemoko is multiplying his promising performances. “He's just missing a trigger to unlock his statistics and reach a new level in his development. It's well within his reach given his current performance.”
For his part, Adama Bojang discovers the Super League with Grasshopper Zurich, in Switzerland. Despite a delicate situation for the club, the striker is gradually adapting to this demanding championship. “We know that Adama has a real ability to hang on and that he will do so. The quality will eventually speak and he will start to impose himself little by little.” In search of playing time and confidence, Adama continues to progress and will have to demonstrate tenacity and will to win in the second half of the season.
Other players such as Fallou Fallloaned to Fredrikstad FK, in the Norwegian first division, were able to take advantage of their experience abroad. An essential element of the defense, Fallou experienced an enthusiastic end to the championship, marked by a victory in the Norwegian Cup final. “He has gained a lot in maturity and reliability, aspects that he sometimes lacked. We are very satisfied with his progress.” In addition to his defensive qualities, Fallou was decisive by scoring two important goals, establishing himself as one of the leaders of his team. “It’s a superb experience for him, for the Fredrikstad club and for Stade de Reims. It’s positive at all levels.”
Ewen Jaouen in Ligue 2 in Dunkirk
Loaned to Rodez at the end of last season as a medical joker, Ewen Jaouen continues its adventure in Ligue 2 this season under the colors of USL Dunkerque. After a good start as a starting goalkeeper where he had a promising month of September, Ewen went through a more complicated period, marked by a lack of confidence which led him to give up his number 1 place. Currently starting in the Cup from France, Ewen has set himself the objective of regaining his place in an ambitious team, which wants to give itself the means to compete for Ligue 1. “We recently welcomed him to Reims so that he could find his bearings and see everyone. It did him a lot of good. He's another young player who has set high goals for himself.” Ewen also uses this experience to learn how to overcome challenges. “It's important not to always stay comfortable. Loans are used to have different experiences, to face difficulties and to measure the players' ability to bounce back and progress despite obstacles.”
