Stade Rennais – Toulouse: Beye, Sampaoli, Zanko… which coach on the bench on Sunday?
According to Ouest-France, Julien Stéphan was to be received by his management for a layoff interview prior to dismissal. There is still doubt as to who will be on the Stade Rennes bench on Sunday.
The days pass and doubt still envelops Stade Rennes, like the thick fog blanketing the city without letting in a ray of sunlight. Yesterday, Julien Stéphan led his second session of the week, after that of Tuesday, Monday having been a rest for the group. A surprise somewhere, given the meager suspense surrounding the future of the coach whose team was slapped in the face at Auxerre (0-4) on Sunday.
According to Ouest-France, Stéphan was to be received by his management for a layoff interview prior to dismissal. The technician who had extended in March, until 2026, will benefit from substantial compensation, in the event of departure initiated by his management. Only for the future, who to succeed him, and in the short term, who to take place on the bench on Sunday (5:00 p.m.) against Toulouse?
Which coach against Toulouse?
On the eve of the traditional pre-match press conference, it is still the unknown. Ouest-France further indicates that Denis Zanko, Stéphan's deputy, could take over as interim manager. Since Sunday in any case, several circles of influence have been at work and a host of names have been put forward to take over.
According to L'Equipe, it is Jorge Sampaoli who is in advanced discussions, a “serious, even privileged option”, at the initiative of Arnaud Pouille in particular. Predominantly Spanish-speaking, with basic English, and understanding French, Sampaoli would follow Ligue 1 and Rennes. The well-advanced track is confirmed by Ouest-France and Le Parisien.
Announced as another alternative, the Habib Beye option (in tandem with Mathie Le Scornet) would be on hold. The one leading to Wilfried Nancy (Colombus Crew) would have finally been ruled out according to Ouest-France.