Antoine Kombouaré, the inside story of the move that revived Paris FC | OneFootball

Stéphane Gilli was replaced by Antoine Kombouaré in late February, a call that initially baffled many. Paris FC sealed Ligue 1 safety on Sunday with a 3-1 win at Metz after seven positive results. According to L'Équipe, shareholder Antoine Arnault initiated the change.

At the time of Gilli’s dismissal on 22 February, Paris FC were five points clear of 16th-placed Auxerre, and Kombouaré was not seen as 'Red Bull compatible'.

Before the switch, the promoted side had won only one of 12 matches. Since the former PSG coach arrived, seven games have brought three draws and four wins.

A 0-2 Coupe de France exit at Lorient on 4 February, then a 0-5 home loss to RC Lens 10 days later, with all five winter recruits starting and a listless display, proved pivotal.

Two days later, after lunch with his brothers and advisers, Arnault moved to replace Gilli, sounding out Kombouaré via a mutual friend after prior informal contact in January.

That evening he met chief executive Jean-Marc Gallot and sporting director Marco Neppe at his home. Although Kombouaré was in advanced talks with Nantes and Will Still, formerly of Reims and Lens, was studied, his leadership and grasp of the squad convinced them.

President Pierre Ferracci, told the next day, wanted to give Gilli a little longer. Kombouaré, 62, still chose Paris over Nantes, finalised terms without an agent, and although the switch was approved midweek it came too late for Toulouse, so Gilli oversaw the match before the squad were informed at the Stadium.

Source: L'Équipe