Rennes move on from Stephan after poor start

Rennes are set to part ways with coach Julien Stephan for the second time after a difficult start to the season, the Ligue 1 club announced on Thursday.

The 44-year-old Stephan returned to Rennes for a second spell in charge 12 months ago, having won the French Cup in 2019 during his first stint with the Brittany side.

However, Rennes have won only three of 10 matches this term and are languishing down in 13th place, hovering one point above the relegation zone after a 4-0 loss at Auxerre.

Stephan also led Rennes to a first Champions League appearance in the 2020-21 season before he resigned from his position later that campaign.

He then served as Strasbourg coach for an 18-month period but was sacked at the start of last year.