In the hottest stands of the Michel-d’Ornano stadium, Malherbe Normandy Kop supporters roar to chant the name of their coach, Stéphane Moulin. Caen has just snatched a draw against Saint-Étienne (2-2) in an unchallenged match of the 37th day of Ligue 2, the last of the season at home, this May 26. It’s time for the starters party. Among them, therefore, the technician of the Calvados squad. “Tonight, I have only one word: thank you (…) I arrived here two years ago with the staff. We did a job, I find, satisfactory and you helped us so much, ”said Stéphane Moulin at the stadium microphone.
A poignant farewell that the weed community did not imagine so soon, when the former coach of Angers had signed, in the summer of 2021, for three years. But now, on May 17, the club announced his departure. A decision taken by Stéphane Moulin himself. He confided, to France Bleu, “disagreements on personal points of view with my president (Olivier Pickeu) which have somewhat tainted our relationship”. “Private content” eroding the trust between the two men, who have been linked since their long collaboration with Anjou.
“A mess” according to many supporters
Players, shareholder, president tried to convince him, nothing worked. The continuation of the plan to rise in Ligue 1 over three years will therefore be written without him. “I just hope that you will be able to find the Ligue 1 that you deserve”, projects the coach in front of the public on May 26. A supporter manages to make a “stay with us!” “. “A mess” according to many supporters, the vast majority disappointed by the departure of Stéphane Moulin who, in the space of two seasons, sometimes like a roller coaster, will have helped to straighten out a club which had passed very close to the precipice of relegation to National just before his arrival.
In a press conference after the match against the Greens, the man slips: “I like to start and go to the end. It is a regret not to go to the end of the project. That’s life, it’s made up of hazards, good and bad surprises. But the club is on the right track, my departure should not taint that. “Seventh last season, Caen will finish 5th or even 4th this year, at the end of the final day of Ligue 2 on June 2. With the added bonus of an excellent season at home. Ideal for renewing a very strong bond with a grateful audience. In the wake of the latter, it was the whole family of SM Caen who showed him unfailing support when he lost his wife, Armelle, following an illness on January 11. Not very expansive, Stéphane Moulin ended his last Caen football evening with his gratitude for the tribute paid to him: “It’s human. There is feeling, emotion, pleasure despite everything. Moulin will not forget Malherbe. Malherbe will not forget Moulin, but will quickly have to mourn it to prepare for the sequel.
