If the leaders decided to give themselves time to reflect following the dismissal of Ahmed Kantari, with the interim provided by Stéphane Mangione, the VAFC is looking for a new coach. And a draft profile is already known. Decryption.
A paradigm shift
After two successive failures with Jorge Maciel et Ahmed Kantarithe VAFC will very likely change its mind. Exit inexperienced or even non-qualified coaches, starting out in the profession and ultimately offering few guarantees. To try to put the club back on the path to success and thus try to get involved in the fight for promotion to Ligue 2, the Valencian staff is now looking a coach, preferably French, with a much more impressive CV. This is good, there is currently no shortage of candidates corresponding to this profile and free of any commitment.
Among the most famous, taking into account a real degree of feasibility, we find in particular Stéphane Moulinlooking for a new challenge since his time at Caen (2021/2023). His profile as a proven coach-builder in Angers (2011/2021) is sure to appeal. After experiencing a personal tragedy, sparking the desire to take a step back, the 57-year-old technician is now ready to dive back in. Even if it means taking over a National club? This is undoubtedly the biggest doubt to be resolved.
In the same vein, namely that of a coach with extensive Ligue 1-Ligue 2 experience, David Guion also ticks a lot of boxes. However, his recent mixed, not to say failed, experiences in Bordeaux and Troyes have somewhat damaged his attractiveness. Here again, the question of his desire to come and coach in National arises. The situation is the same for Jocelyn Gourvenneceven though the latter has been accumulating failures since 2018, without even talking about his salary demands. For the same reasons, knowing that he has already refused advances from Ligue 2 clubs, Philippe Montanier is very likely a potential candidate to be excluded.
From the experience of the National?
From then on, Valenciennes could turn to profiles that are perhaps less “attractive” but undoubtedly more in line with its current situation. Author of a very successful 2022/2023 season with QRM in Ligue 2, Olivier Echaoufni could be an interesting alternative. Also at the relaunch, Patrice Garande can boast of having a wealth of experience, after more or less notable stints in Caen (2012/2018), Toulouse (2020/2021) and Dijon (2021/2022). Currently consultant for France Blue Normandythe 60-year-old coach nevertheless announced that he would return to service only “ for a Ligue 1 club or a Ligue 2 club aiming to move up. »
The other consideration could relate to coaches with good knowledge of the National, with a certain success to boot. If Matthew Chabertwho has already brought up Béziers, Bastia and Dunkirk, is not available because he is stationed in Ajaccio, Laurent Peyrelade could well be a credible lead. After bringing Rodez up in 2019, the Limoges native now has the club in Ligue 2 for two seasons, before completing a commando mission in Grenoble last year. Between the two? A more mixed experience at Versailles, where no coach really manages to establish himself.
At the instance of Jean-Luc Vasseurformer coach of Reims, Paris FC and the Olympique Lyonnais women's team, who only lasted seven months on the Versailles bench, being dismissed from his duties after a draw at home… against Valenciennes. As part of the profiles studied by the VAFC management, Maxime d'Ornano has also been free from any contract for several weeks. Despite a very honorable record, including a quarter-final of the Coupe de France against Valenciennes last spring, the new management of FC Rouen decided to part ways with it. Just to make room for Régis Brouard, who could have been a very interesting profile for the bored club.
Failing this, Valenciennes could also make an original choice by turning to Arnauld Mercierwho officially applied to the club. Fairly unknown in France, the former VAFC player (1996/1998 and 2002/2004) has a solid calling card in Belgium, with rather successful stints at Royal Francs Borains and Seraing. A time mentioned last year, Eric Chelle has just bounced back in Oran, after his departure from the Mali selection last June.
Exempt from the championship next weekend, the northern board will take time to think. According to the latest reports, the identity of the lucky winner should be known next week.
Romain PECHON
Photo credits: Iconsport
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