Who will replace Olivier Pantaloni? Lorient weigh pivotal bench decision | OneFootball

Lorient, who visit the Parc des Princes on Saturday at 17:00, are accelerating the search for Olivier Pantaloni’s successor amid a wider sporting overhaul that will shape the club’s direction.

According to L'Équipe, Saint-Trond coach Wouter Vrancken, 47, has told his president he will leave at the end of the season for a move abroad. Interviewed by Black Knight Football Club, Lorient’s owner, his profile is appreciated internally, although his lack of Ligue 1 experience could count against him.

The Will Still option remains the priority. The former Lens and Reims coach, currently unattached, is viewed as capable of developing young players and giving a clear playing identity, which fits the brief.

Pantaloni departs after two full seasons, having been named Ligue 2 coach of the year and shortlisted for the Ligue 1 award. With assistant Yannick Cahuzac also set to leave, parts of the backroom team will need rebuilding.

In January, Julien Fournier came close to joining, but talks ended as the proposed director of football role would have overlapped with president Loïc Féry’s remit. Planning the right model remains time consuming, yet central to every subsequent move.

Benoît Müller, formerly of Stade Rennais, was confirmed as chief executive in April, while Demba Ba from Dunkerque did not take the sporting director post. In this search for structure, BKFC look set to hand Laurent Koscielny expanded responsibilities, and he has secured assurances that the Merlus will keep their identity. A studious summer awaits.

Source: L'Équipe