Julien Stéphan hanging by a thread at Rennes | OneFootball

To say that Julien Stéphan is in a perilous situation as head coach of Stade Rennais would be an understatement. There were doubts about his position even before the start of the season, whilst changes behind the scenes, with the arrivals of Arnaud Pouille and Frédéric Massara cast further doubt over his position.

On the pitch, there aren’t any reassurances either, and after the latest defeat, to newly-promoted AJ Auxerre on Sunday, it was a dejected Stéphan who insisted that he had the energy to continue in the role. That decision may, however, be taken out of his hands.

Stéphan initially returned to Rennes following Bruno Genesio’s departure around one year ago. Initial results were promising and so his short stint was extended in March. Since that renewal, Les Rennais have won just five of their last 19 matches, a record not befitting of a side that has European ambitions.

Speaking after Rennes’ latest defeat, Stéphan apologised to the fans for a “shameful” performance. He then addressed his uncertain future. “I have the energy to continue, to fight, to put everything in place to help this team progress. Do I feel under threat? It’s not up to me to reply to that. I don’t have the keys,” he told reporters.

It is Massara and Pouille, both recently arrived at the club, who now must make a call on Stéphan’s continuation at the club.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle