Antoine Kombouaré replaced at Paris FC despite strong finish, Liam Rosenior appointed | OneFootball

Antoine Kombouaré has left Paris FC despite a strong end to the season and a year remaining on his deal to June 2027. He signed a contract termination last Wednesday, clearing the way for Liam Rosenior. According to L'Équipe, the move ended weeks of uncertainty over the next head coach.

The decision jarred with an upbeat run, six wins, two defeats and three draws in the last 11 Ligue 1 matches, rounded off by a 2-1 victory over PSG on 17 May.

Kombouaré’s knee pain had raised doubts, though club figures repeatedly said they wanted him to stay. On 18 May he met Antoine Arnault, representing the family that owns the club, to review performances and agreed to reconvene.

At the follow-up, he sought an extra year as a show of faith or, failing that, bonuses tied to European qualification and even a league title. He also indicated he could depart but would seek payment for the remaining year.

Talks then broke down. The hierarchy would not revisit a contract signed four months earlier, and his emailed requests drew no reply. He later met sporting director Marco Neppe, and relations had cooled.

With fitness doubts eased after a surgeon’s opinion, the club sought a successor. Pierre Sage and Bruno Genesio were sounded out but were already bound for Crystal Palace and OM. Liam Rosenior and Walid Regragui were explored, the Englishman preferred for greater Ligue 1 experience.

In February, when Paris FC turned to Kombouaré to replace Stéphane Gilli, he was viewed as a short-term fix for survival. An initial four-month offer was rejected, an option year on survival plus incentives was added, and both sides agreed either could walk away in June. That is what happened, Kombouaré was willing to continue with a one-year term, the club was not.

Source: L'Équipe