Stade Rennais formalized this Monday the arrival of Jorge Sampaoli at the head of the team to replace Julien Stéphan. The 64-year-old Argentine coach, well known for his time at Olympique de Marseille from 2021 to 2022, is making an unexpected return to Ligue 1 after leaving Flamengo in September 2023. Sampaoli signed a contract 18 months which links him to Rennes until 2026, thus becoming Rennes' first foreign coach in 18 years.
A Total Reorganization in Rennes
The arrival of Sampaoli is part of a series of changes within the Breton club. Florian Maurice, former sporting director of Rennes, left his position to join OGC Nice, and president Olivier Cloarec was dismissed from his position by the Pinault family, owner of the club. They were respectively replaced by Frederic Massara et Arnaud Pouilleformer general manager of Lens.
A Disappointing Start to the Season for Rennes
Under the leadership of Julien Stéphan, Rennes had a difficult start to the Ligue 1 season, culminating in a heavy defeat 4-0 against Auxerre. Stéphan was relieved of his duties after this debacle, and the team continued their descent, losing to Toulouse in the final match, with Sampaoli watching from the stands. Sampaoli will officially debut with Rennes after the international break, during the match against Lille.
Written by Footix the 12/11/202412/11/2024
