As the days went by, Stéphan’s position became increasingly fragile. The names of future successors were being bandied about with increasing insistence. Julien Stéphan, coach of Rennes (13th in Ligue 1), was dismissed on Thursday.

“Stade Rennais has initiated proceedings against its head coach Mr Julien Stéphan and his deputies Messrs Denis Zanko and Bouziane Benaraïbi.”said the club in a statement, adding that it had entrusted training to Sébastien Tambouret (Pro2 group coach), Denis Arnaud (Academy Director) and Pierre-Alexandre Lelièvre (Pro2 group assistant coach).

According to L’Équipean agreement is close to being reached with former OM coach Jorge Sampaoli (64).