This has been in the pipeline for a while. Hired until the end of the season with Stade Rennais, Julien Stéphan will extend his contract this week.
According to our information, the discussions resulted in common ground for the signing of a new two-year lease, until 2026. A file led head-on by the shareholder who will not wait for the next deadlines to renew his confidence in the coach whom he himself chose to bring back on November 19 to replace Bruno Genesio.
Two and a half years after his first visit, Julien Stéphan returned with the objective of rectifying a complicated situation. He has completely relaunched the team which presents a much better appearance today with results, finally, living up to expectations. Since the start of the year, Rennes has played an attractive game and above all it has won matches (11 in 2024). The Bretons, 8th in Ligue 1, are back in the race for European places since they are only three points from 6th place occupied by Lens. They are also planning a Coupe de France semi-final against PSG on Wednesday April 3 at the Parc des Princes.
“The conditions are good for me today”
The success of the last few weeks is not unrelated to the work of Julien Stéphan who was able to revive the Rennes team by giving it a second wind. Before the international break, the 43-year-old technician explained that he wanted to stay. “I have already said that I was very happy to work again, to find a bench, especially here in Rennes. I am very fulfilled, whether with the players, with the management, the shareholder (François Pinault) and the staff. The conditions are good for me today. »
Despite the elimination in the Europa League play-off, the victory against AC Milan on the return home leg (3-2, February 22) was an important marker. “It’s perhaps the most beautiful European victory in the club’s history,” confided Stéphan after the match.
It is all the more remarkable since he has had to compose for a month and a half without one of his centerpieces, Enzo Le Fée, whose return will be precious for the final sprint. The former Lorient player, injured in his hamstring at the start of February, has returned to training and should be able to play a few minutes again on Sunday in Strasbourg (5:05 p.m.). Another good news for Julien Stéphan who is heading towards the end of the season with a lot of ambition.
The returns of exes regardless of the club do not always lead to success. Stéphan is the exception that proves the rule. By extending in the days to come, he will be able to tackle the next deadlines without having to worry about his future. It was also a desire of its management.
