Once regular in terms of transfers, the Lorient-Metz line (Jouffre, Cafu, Le Grix Cheick Doucouré…), just like the Metz-Lorient (Marchal, Le Grix, Oyawolé…) moreover, has fallen into disuse. However, there is still a bit of FC Lorient in FC Metz version 2024-2025.
Because if Stéphane Le Mignan has never defended the Lorient colors, the new Metz coach does not hide having been largely inspired by the methods and “Lorient style” play developed by Christian Gourcuff. “FC Lorient has always inspired me,” confirms the Morbihan resident without hesitation. Each time, we were amazed by what he offered. Christian’s team was efficient with a very developed collective game, but not necessarily with a lot of financial capacity. »
A common identity, a common lexicon and a similar method
“The coach was imbued with this philosophy of play, this identity with the initial idea of having a pleasant game, a game of possession made of coordinated movements between the players,” assures one of his assistants, Hugues Prévost. The Pontivyen, who joined him in Concarneau after four years as an educator at FCL, had no trouble adapting “because precisely, there was a game identity that was common, a lexicon that was common , a working method also which was similar to what I experienced in Lorient.”
From Moustoir to Kerlir, from student to experienced technician
In fact, for Stéphane Le Mignan, whose career as a technician began with Vannes OC (2002-2012) which he had taken from the CFA to Ligue 2, it all started a long time ago: “When I was educated at the university of Lorient and that the lessons interested me less than the football training! I remember, they trained at Moustoir! “. And the new Metz coach continued to regularly follow Merlus training. It was not uncommon, even recently, to come across the native of Auray in Kerlir, scrutinizing the work of the Lorient staff in the new FCL life center, like any visitor or supporter.
A freelance with Gourcuff
“From the start, I found myself completely there, already as a player, because we want to play in teams like FC Lorient played. Then, I also had coaches like Philippe Plunian at Locminé, who was also inspired by Christian (Gourcuff) to work with. » Before it was his turn.
Stéphane Le Mignan allows himself to call him Christian, because the two men know each other perfectly having regularly crossed paths during friendly matches and also for having collaborated at Al-Gharafa (2018-2019). “I also had the chance to go with Christian for a season in Qatar when he asked me to be his assistant. This allowed me to work for a season with him, even if the championship in Qatar was a little different. » It was just before his adventure with Concarneau (2020-2024), the one which allowed him to find himself this summer in the short-list of Metz… and Lorient!
Related News :