Official | Julien Stéphan replaces Bruno Genesio as Rennes head coach

Julien Stéphan has replaced Bruno Genesio as Rennes head coach, the Brittany club has announced. Genesio’s post was under threat after Les Rouge et Noir‘s home defeat to bottom team Olympique Lyonnais before the international break. Rennes’ start of the season borders on disastrous. They only won two Ligue 1 games out of twelve. It has been reported that Genesio has decided to leave Rennes, with whom he was under contract until 2025, following talks with the club’s hierarchy this week.

Stade Rennais’ statement reads that Genesio has mutually agreed to leave his position, mentioning personal reasons. The solutions Genesio was offered to turn the ship around reportedly did not convince him and he did not envision himself leading the club anymore – the decision has taken by surprise club president Olivier Cloarec and sporting director Florian Maurice. It remains to be seen whether Maurice will retain his post, given his close ties with Genesio and the fact that club owner, luxury mogul billionaire François Pinault, has chosen his successor without his input.

Indeed, former Stade Rennais manager Julien Stéphan, who Genesio replaced back in March 2021, has taken over. Stéphan will be introduced to the media this Monday. He is set to sign an eight-month deal, putting him in charge until the end of the campaign.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval