Several names circulated Monday to replace Sabri Lamouchi, but the choice was already recorded on the side of the leaders of Rennes: named coach of the professional team acting, Julien Stephan, 38, in charge of the reserve team that evolves in National 3, enjoys a real opportunity to show his qualities.
Several names circulated Monday to replace Sabri Lamouchi, but the choice was already recorded on the side of the leaders of Rennes: named coach of the professional team acting, Julien Stephan, 38, in charge of the reserve team that evolves in National 3, enjoys a real opportunity to show his qualities. On the Piverdière side, it is assured that his appointment is a true conviction and it is by no means a choice by default, he is lucky.
Julien Stéphan is a technician particularly appreciated on the banks of the Vilaine. Holder of the BEPF for a few weeks, he raised the reserve of SRFC N3 in N2, then led to the title of champion of N2 with an exceptional generation under his orders that he has improved and grow ( with the Dembélé, Gnagnon, Léa Siliki, Gélin), before a descent last season. Man posed, thoughtful, rigorous technician, Stéphan son, born in Rennes and arrived at the club in 2012 to train the U19, had a time been approached to take a place in the staff of Christian Gourcuff at the dawn of the second season (act II) of the Breton technician at Stade Rennais, he had finally had to wait for new opportunities.
One of them almost drove him to Monaco, a month and a half ago, when Thierry Henry, who had just put his suitcases on the Rock, was his staff. The two men had exchanged on the phone and Stephan was ready to join him. Another missed start. According to Olivier Létang, Monaco had never wanted to start any negotiations about the technician. Other sources claim that the SRFC claimed a million euros to let it go (it is under contract until 2021).
An experienced assistant to support him
Here he is now, and for the first time, head coach of a Ligue 1 team, the opportunity, therefore, to prove his worth. According to our information, there is currently no other coach already in sight to arrive by the end of the year. It would nevertheless be a challenge to take up quickly for the Rennais, obviously. Which means, when you speak the language of football, to have positive results from the next meetings, starting with the trip to Lyon, this Wednesday (19 h).
In addition, Stade Rennais is looking for an experienced assistant to support Julien Stéphan. It could land early next week, after moving to Lyon and the reception of Dijon (Saturday).