Stade de Reims hierarchy quells speculation over Will Still’s future

Stade de Reims Sporting Director Mathieu Lacour and President Jean-Pierre Caillot appeared in the club’s press conference on Friday to address the increasing speculation over the future of English manager Will Still, reports L’Équipe.

Despite not appreciating Still’s recent comments about a possible move back to England and telling him as much in recent private and honest conversations, Lacour insisted that there was no lingering problem behind the scenes: 

“There is no internal scandal. We had a frank and honest discussion, we are a stepping stone club, for young players as well as young managers. We’d be very proud if Will had the opportunity to manage in the Premier League one day, to coach the club of his dreams (West Ham). However, our shared story is not yet over. We are looking to the future together, not just until the end of the season but in the medium term.”

President Caillot added a similar message: 

“It’s not illogical to talk about the future when we’re young. For him to say he is ambitious and can imagine himself managing a team in England is just an honest message. With that being said, it’s important that his message isn’t taken out of context or misunderstood, that’s where we all need to be careful”.

Coach Still reiterated his desire to return home earlier this week, citing always having worked abroad in a foreign environment and longing to return to his native England. He has also gone on record to voice his disappointment in the January transfer window , claiming to be “Going to war with a water pistol” , something that Caillot was keen to dismiss: 

“Will knows the club’s policy. This is the strongest squad we’ve had in the modern era”.

Reims currently sit eighth in the Ligue 1 table and travel to 12th placed Le Havre on Sunday. Kick off is at 2:00PM GMT. 

GFFN | Jack McArdle