After Will Still’s hasty departure on May 2nd, assistant coach Samba Diawara (46 years old) stepped up to take charge at Stade de Reims. Diawara, who had always seen himself as an assistant and will continue as one under the new coach, guided the team to two wins and a draw, securing a ninth-place finish in Ligue 1. With the head coach position open, the club received around 60 applications, shortlisting 20 candidates for the role.
Starting Thursday, six or seven selected candidates will undergo virtual interviews, with the final three “finalists” being invited for in-person meetings. The club aims to unveil their new coach by early next month in anticipation of the team’s return to training on June 26th, including medical tests. While the Reims board is open to paying a transfer fee, they hope to avoid it if possible; however, Luka Elsner’s name has been prominent despite his commitment to Le Havre until 2025.
Among the potential options, Davide Ancelotti (34 years old), son and assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, has emerged as a strong contender. Ancelotti is currently under contract with a term that extends until June 2026. The Reims leadership is actively exploring various avenues to ensure they secure the ideal candidate to lead the team forward in the upcoming season.