Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Thursday November 7, 2024 at 3:20 p.m.
Stade Rennais has decided to end the mandate of Julien Stéphan after a difficult start to the season in Ligue 1 according to the daily l'Equipe.
Returning to Brittany in November 2023 to succeed Bruno Genesio, Julien Stéphan failed to turn around the team, today 13th in the ranking with five defeats in ten days. The scathing defeat against Auxerre (4-0) was the point of no return for the Rennes management, who hope to revitalize the group by changing coach. Stéphan, who led Rennes to victory in the Coupe de France in 2019, did not find the same success on his return. Last season ended without European qualification, weakening his position within the club. Despite a reshuffled squad this summer, he was unable to stabilize the team's performance, which pushed management to take a drastic decision to avoid a disaster in the championship.
Sampaoli approaching
Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli appears to be the main candidate to take over the reins of the club. Free since his departure from Flamengo, the former coach of Olympique de Marseille has started advanced discussions with Stade Rennais. Known for his passionate temperament and intense playing style, Sampaoli could breathe new life into Rennes. An agreement is hoped for before the next match against Toulouse.
The club, supported by the Pinault family, seems to want to mark a strategic turning point by choosing a bold profile like that of Sampaoli. The ongoing restructuring includes the arrival of Frédéric Massara as sporting director and Arnaud Pouille as president, reflecting a desire to build a long-term project. This reorganization aims to create a competitive and ambitious team, capable of repositioning itself among the best in Ligue 1. The departure of Julien Stéphan and the probable arrival of Jorge Sampaoli mark a new era for Stade Rennais. Management hopes that this change will help revive the club and return to success. The coming weeks will be crucial to assess the impact of this transition and Rennes' ability to return to the top of the championship.
