Stade Rennais has just turned an important page in Ligue 1. This Wednesday, the Breton club formalized the end of the Julien Stéphan era, dismissed after results deemed insufficient at the start of the season. A decision which echoes weeks of increasing pressure around the coach.
At only 43 years old, Julien Stéphan, son of the famous Guy Stéphan, took the reins of the team in December 2018. His arrival was marked by a new lease of life, offering the Rouge et Noir a Coupe de France in 2019, the first club trophy since 1971, as well as a historic qualification for the Champions League the following season. After resigning, he agreed to return to Brittany after the departure of Bruno Génésio. Extended recently, the adventure quickly went wrong.
Julien Stéphan thanked
The results of recent months ended up getting the better of him. Stade Rennais, which has great ambitions with significant investments, remains stuck in the soft underbelly of Ligue 1. With only a few victories on the clock, the Breton-led club no longer has the luxury of patience. Julien Stéphan's speech no longer seemed to be bearing fruit, and new impetus appeared necessary.
Sampaoli back in Ligue 1?
To replace him, one name already stands out: that of the Argentinian Jorge Sampaoli. Known for his volcanic temperament and his very offensive style of play, Sampaoli could well embody the renewal that Rennes is seeking. Former coach of Chile and Argentina, also with Olympique de Marseille, the 63-year-old technician has solid European experience and a playing approach based on intensity, possession and aggressiveness. .
If his impetuous character can sometimes divide, there is no doubt that he could breathe new life into the Rennes group. This profile appeals to Breton leaders, who see in him the coach capable of transcending a talented but inconsistent workforce. Sampaoli would hold the rope for the position and the negotiations would already be well advanced.
While waiting for his arrival to be made official, Rennes is preparing for a transition under high tension. The supporters hope that this change will be the long-awaited trigger to finally see their team play the leading roles in Ligue 1 and in Europe.
