After a start to the season far from expectations, Stade Rennais took a strong step. Owner François-Henri Pinault has decided to fire president Olivier Cloarec, replaced by Arnaud Pouille on Friday. Now, the threat is getting closer for coach Julien Stéphan.
Things are still happening in Rennes. This Friday, the resident of Roazhon Park announced a change of president. Olivier Cloarec has officially left to make way for Arnaud Pouille. We can talk about a strong measure from the start of the season. It must be said that the first weeks of competition are not encouraging. The Rouge et Noir have only won two matches in six days, occupying a 10th place far from the management’s ambitions.
For the regional daily Ouest-France, this important decision in the organization chart looks like a “ takeover of François-Henri Pinault “. Our colleagues recall that the shareholder of Stade Rennais had already pushed for the appointment of the Italian Frédéric Massara as sports director last June, following the departure of Florian Maurice from OGC Nice. After having appointed a sports boss as well as a president in the space of a few months, the owner could continue his revolution. Especially if the results remain disappointing.
Stéphan under threat
Suffice to say that the next fuse should be coach Julien Stéphan whose second stint on the bench is not a great success. The former Strasbourg coach, who returned in November 2023, finished last season in 10th place. And the start of this new exercise suggests that Guy Stéphan’s son remains in difficulty. In this context, a defeat at home against the Monegasque competitor this Saturday evening would go down very badly, knowing that the international break would give François-Henri Pinault plenty of time to think.
