Stéphan caused a sensation when he took the reins of Stade Rennais FC halfway through the 2018-19 Ligue 1 Uber Eats campaign. 48 years old when he organized a Coupe de France victory against Paris Saint-Germain the same season.

The young coach, considered by many to be the brightest prospect in French football, now has a new home, having signed a three-year contract with the traditional powerhouse Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace.

Julien Stéphan, why did you choose to sign with RC Strasbourg Alsace?

“President [Marc Keller] was very convincing, and coming to a very healthy club with a passionate environment were two important criteria for me. It happened very, very quickly. We had our first phone call Monday afternoon and then it all worked out. It became obvious to me as soon as we met. I am very happy to arrive at Racing Club Strasbourg. The expectations here are high. There is a lot of passion, a lot of fervor, and it’s something that I find very exciting. I feel very lucky to be the coach of RC Strasbourg today. I think a lot of coaches would like to be in my place. I find there is a lot of humility here and the ambition to progress, but to do things in the right order. It was something that I liked and that motivated me. When you have the chance to work in an environment like this, I think you have to seize the opportunity and I’m very happy that you did. “

What are your ambitions?

“The ambition is to keep making progress and to share great experiences. I think we’ve all been through difficult times lately. We hope that it will gradually return to order. Sharing experiences will be something. very important. The club will continue to progress, to structure itself, and I am also here to progress. I have just come out of a very enriching experience in Rennes, but I am still a very young coach who needs to progress and I think it’s a very interesting step in my career for me. “

Leaving a club playing in Europe for a team that regularly fights against relegation, has it not made you think?

“We played in the Champions League this season, but it was not planned with Rennes, it was not ambition. Strasbourg ensured their survival on the last day of the season, but won a title two years ago. Strasbourg is also capable of having very good results. I don’t think in those terms. I know how lucky I am to be able to coach this club. It is an important club in France, with good infrastructure, with supporters who support their team enormously, with very competent leaders. We will work and do our best to move forward and achieve the best possible results. “

(Photo: rcstrasbourgalsace.fr)