It’s a name that means nothing to the general public. Few Clermont supporters probably even know of its existence. However, Sébastien Bichard (40 years old) could well be the next coach of the Auvergne club.
In search of a replacement for Pascal Gastien, the Clermontois leaders have, as indicated in our columns, multiplied the avenues in recent weeks. With the objective of recruiting a project man with a defined game idea able to take a fresh look at the Clermont project. And in recent days, Ahmet Schaefer and his advisor Yannick Flavien, although they met other candidates, settled on one name: Sébastien Bichard.
Assistant coach to Habib Beye at Red Star (N) since last summer, this former player, seen as a very creative technician, enjoys a very solid reputation in the industry. Holder of a UEFA pro license, Bichard has spent a large part of his recent career in Switzerland. As a youth coach first, then as an assistant (and even interim number 1) of FC Sion in particular.
Discussions around financial compensation with Red Star
For three years (from 2020 to 2023), Bichard was assistant coach of the Kosovo selection (under Alain Giresse in particular). The young technician, already known by certain management of elite clubs as being a profile to follow, convinced the Clermont leaders during his interviews. The president of Clermont Ahmet Schaefer is convinced of the young coach’s ability to lead this project. And this, whatever the division next season.
Is his arrival a foregone conclusion? Not yet. Because if Bichard is seduced by the opportunity to join an elite club as number 1 right now, his club Red Star, launched in its project of moving up to Ligue 2 (the Audonian club is first in National), is very attached to his deputy. Discussions around financial compensation have been underway for several days. If an agreement is reached with Red Star, Clermont football will turn a page in its history: that of the Pascal Gastien era.
