Julien Stéphan is no longer the coach of Rennes, as announced by the club in an official statement on Thursday, while local media reports suggest that Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli is the leading candidate to take over the role.  

Is Cristiano Ronaldo's Future Away from Al-Nassr?

The results have been crucial to the departure of the 44-year-old French coach, who has lost five of the ten matches played, leaving the team in 13th place in the standings—well below the club’s expectations. Rennes is owned by the luxury conglomerate Kering, which controls brands such as Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.  

According to *L'Équipe*, Rennes is in advanced talks with Sampaoli, and the two sides are "close to an agreement," which could be finalized before Sunday, when the team faces Toulouse.  

Andrés Guardado Announces His Retirement from Professional Football

If confirmed, this would be the second stint in France for the 64-year-old former Argentina national team coach, who previously managed Olympique de Marseille. There, he left a positive mark before deciding to leave, feeling unsatisfied with the promised squad reinforcements.