The decision seemed inevitable for the club, which had not won a single match in Ligue 1 since the first gameEh October (against Nantes, 3-1). A week after another defeat against Olympique Lyonnais, another club in crisis, Stade Rennais announced the departure of coach Bruno Genesio on Sunday, November 19. “By mutual agreement with Stade Rennes and particularly for personal reasons, Bruno Genesio is stepping down as general coach.” It is mentioned in the press release of the club.
The 57-year-old technician will be replaced by the returning Julien Stephan, who was already the coach of Rouge et Noir in 2018-2021. He was convinced at that time by the Breton project and the presence of sporting director Florian Morris, whom he knew. At Lyon, Bruno Genesio replaces Julien Stephan on the Rennes bench – without a club after leaving Strasbourg in January 2023.
In recent weeks, the French coach has shown a certain weariness and it is understood that his speech is no longer resonating with the players. The exhausted former Lyon coach finally waited until the international break and defeat at his former club to announce his departure from the Breton club.
The best coach of League 1 in 2021-2022
Two and a half years after his arrival, the balance of Bruno Genesio, who was crowned the best coach of France for 2021-2022, is still positive. This season, the Breton side, who have the second best attack in Ligue 1 behind PSG, have seduced France with their polished and ambitious performance. Praised for his management and closeness to the dressing room, he ultimately suffered from a lack of results from his team this year.
Despite their ambitious summer signings, Stade Rennes have had a tough start to the year, at least in Ligue 1 – the Europa League, with Rennes topping their group. on the 13the place, with twelve points taken after twelve days, the Bretons are just 3 points clear of first relegation Clermont.
The arrival of Julien Stephan, who has repeatedly expressed his regret at leaving Stade Rennes – a decision. “Hurry, in hindsight” -, should bring back fond memories for Rouge et Noir fans. The young technician (43), who is valued by owner Francois Pinault, gave the Breton club their third Coupe de France in their history against Paris Saint-Germain on 27 April 2019 and qualified for the group stage. Champions League next season. He will hold a press conference on Monday to officially return to the club, Stade Rennes said in a press release.
The departure of Bruno Genesio, who is under contract until 2025, could lead to the departure of sporting director Florian Morris, who has also been weakened by results. Next week promises to be a busy one for Rennes before they host Reims on Sunday 26th November.
Source: Le Monde
Jason Root is a sports aficionado and a writer at Run Down Bulletin. With a passion for athletic competition and a wealth of knowledge on all things sports, he provides in-depth coverage of the biggest games and events in the world of sports.
