Julien Stéphan's shock resignation on Monday brought to an end a short but highly successful spell as Rennes coach.
Stéphan, 40, stepped down from his post after 27 months in charge that brought Rennes their first major trophy in 48 years, - the 2019 Coupe de France - and a third-placed club record finish in 2019-2020 that led to the Breton club's maiden UEFA Champions League campaign.
Despite only one win in all competitions in 2021, Stéphan remains one of the hottest young coaches in the European game. The 2-1 loss at home to Nice in Round 27 proved Stéphan's final game on the Rennes bench.
"I leave Rennes with a heavy heart"
Stéphan released a statement: "The analysis of the situation after our loss to Nice led to me handing in my resignation to the board at the weekend. I leave Rennes with a heavy heart but with the feeling of always having given the best of myself for the good of the club.
"This decision, difficult to take, has been thoroughly thought through. I feel I have done everything possible in these last few weeks in order to get the team out of the negative spiral it's been in since the start of the calendar year, a spiral that couldn't have been predicted following a promising first half of the season, as Rennes had 33 points at the halfway stage. I hope with all my heart that with different words and another method that the players will get back to getting results more commensurate with their level."
Club president Nicolas Holveck added: "Julien confirmed to us that he no longer felt capable of giving the necessary strength to the squad. He always said that he'd put the institution above everything else and that he didn't want to put it into danger. You know his strength of character, getting him to change his mind is impossible and I didn't expect to be able to. It's a personal decision, his decision. It was thoroughly thought through and he's convinced that he's no longer the man Rennes need. I don't agree with his analysis but I respect his decision. It was a very tough decision for him to make."
Disappointing return on huge outlay
Rennes spent more last summer than any other Ligue 1 Uber Eats club but have not had value for money from their major recruits. Alfred Gomis, signed as Edoaurd Mendy's replacement in goal, has failed to convince, while the 50 million euros plus splashed on club record signing Jérémy Doku, Serhou Guirassy and Martin Terrier have so far yielded only eight Ligue 1 Uber Eats goals (four for Guirassy and four for Terrier).
Guirassy's injury didn't help Stéphan, nor did the drop off in form of teenage sensation Eduardo Camavinga and World Cup winner Steven Nzonzi. Even the club's Mr. Reliable, captain Damien Da Silva, has struggled for consistency. That said, it shouldn't be forgotten that prior to the club's current poor run they had won five matches in a seven-game unbeaten run.
Genesio to beat Gourvennec to the job?
With Stéphan feeling he has taken the club as far as he could, his former assistant Philippe Bizeul has been placed in interim charge for Wednesday's match at Lyon. French press reports immediately linked Jocelyn Gourvennec and former OL boss Bruno Genesio with the post with strong rumours on Tuesday evening suggesting Genesio was the preferred candidate and on the verge of agreeing a deal.
