Former Strasbourg manager Gary O’Neil: ‘Working with Blueco isn’t difficult.’ | OneFootball

Gary O’Neil has left RC Strasbourg Alsace after just six months. The former AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers manager succeeded Liam Rosenior in the role at the start of January. 

He started strongly, but then, following a dip in league form, opted to focus on qualifying for next season’s European competitions through cup competitions. However, Strasbourg were knocked out in the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League and the Coupe de France.

Ipswich Town, who next season return to the Premier League, came calling after Kieran McKenna decided to step aside. In his unveiling press conference, O’Neil revealed why he left Strasbourg to make the move back to England. “The Premier League corresponds to my personal ambition […] coaching in the Premier League is the pinnacle of a career. I couldn’t turn it down,” said O’Neil, whose contract with the newly-promoted side runs until 2029.

“I enjoyed my time abroad. I think that is important as well for British coaches. I wasn’t there for as long as I expected, but to experience something outside England, outside the Premier League, has definitely helped me as well,” he added. 

He then addressed working for BlueCo, the owners of Le Racing as well as Chelsea. “Working with BlueCo isn’t difficult. They’re a good group,” he began. “They are fully committed to both clubs. They gave me a fantastic opportunity. They’ve allowed me to come and take this opportunity (at Ipswich Town), too. That is good of them […] I left on good terms with everyone.”

GFFN | Luke Entwistle