Valenciennes considering parting ways with manager Nicolas Rabuel | OneFootball

According to L’Équipe, Valenciennes Football Club (VAFC) are reportedly considering parting ways with their current coach, Nicolas Rabuel, after their recent loss to Annecy on Monday. This defeat marks their ninth loss out of the last 19 matches, with only one win and eight draws since October 15, 2022. This loss, which occurred when they had a numerical advantage starting from the 56th minute, may be the tipping point for the team’s president, Eddy Zdziech.

According to a source close to the club, Zdziech is contemplating terminating Rabuel’s contract and triggering a wake-up call within the squad for their last eight games of the season. Rabuel is under contract until June 2024.

Valenciennes currently rank 15th in Ligue 2 with 33 points, only two points ahead of the first relegation zone. They will host Niort, the bottom-ranked team in Ligue 2 with 26 points, on Saturday at 7 PM.

Eric Chelle, the current coach of Mali’s national team and a former VAFC defender, has been suggested as a possible replacement for Rabuel. Chelle is a former teammate of Sigamary Diarra, VAFC’s sports coordinator. Alternatively, the club could look to promote from within by giving the reins to their reserve team (N3) coach, Ahmed Kantari, a former VAFC central defender and assistant coach.

Kantari has the support of the team’s players and currently holds second place in his championship behind Feignies (Nord) and ahead of several professional reserve teams such as Lille, Lens, and Amiens. The club’s president is impressed with his team’s attacking style and strong personality. A decision is expected to be made by Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.

GFFN | George Boxall