Rennes want Julien Stéphan to replace Bruno Génésio as manager

According to L’Équipe, Rennes want to appoint former manager Julien Stéphan as Bruno Génésio’s successor at Roazhon Park. These reports come following sources contacted by Get French Football News confirmed that the former Strasbourg manager would be appointed as Génésio’s replacement at the beginning of next week.  

Rennes shareholder François Pinault is leading the push to re-appoint the former Rennes manager ahead of the club’s president Olivier Cloarec and technical director Florian Maurice. Les Rouge et Noirs also considered Rémi Garde for the role of the club’s new manager, but the former Lyon manager wanted to appoint former Angers head coach Gérald Baticle as his assistant. The former Lyon assistant manager is currently Thierry Henry’s number two in charge of Les Espoirs. 

Stéphan is yet to reach an agreement to become Rennes manager for a second time, according to L’Équipe. The two parties are yet to agree upon a financial package and the composition of his backroom staff if he is to return to Roazhon Park. 

The length of any proposed deal also remains unknown with a deal until the end of the season and then the option for an extension a potential option. LÉquipe reports that Florian Maurice has previously wanted to appoint Lens manager Franck Haise as Génésio’s successor at Rennes. However, considering Lens’ exploits in continental football any mid-season departure from the Stade Bollaert-Delelis looks extremely unlikely. 

If talks over a return continue to move in the right direction, Stéphan is not expected to arrive alone. However, he is not expected to conduct drastic changes in the backroom at Rennes either. The most likely arrival is Denis Zanko who should join Stéphan as his assistant manager, according to Ouest France. Julien Stéphan has been unemployed since he was sacked by Strasbourg in January 2023.

GFFN | Liam Wraith