News Focus
- Will Still set to become new AJ Auxerre head coach
- Christophe Pélissier faces dismissal despite keeping club in top flight
- Club owner James Zhou overrules president on coaching change
- Still unemployed since Southampton sacking last autumn
- Auxerre plan major player sales to raise €30 million
The Anglo-Belgian coach Will Still is ready to return to French football’s top division. The 31-year-old will take charge at AJ Auxerre, filling the space left by Christophe Pélissier’s expected departure.
Still has worked in Ligue 1 before with Stade de Reims and Racing Club de Lens. The young manager has been without a job since Southampton sacked him last autumn.
Pélissier’s exit surprises many fans. The Frenchman kept Auxerre in Ligue 1 for a second straight season. However, club owner James Zhou wants a change, even though club president Baptiste Malherbe supported Pélissier.
The new manager will face a busy summer. Sporting Director David Wantier, who did not agree with Pélissier, will lead transfer activity. The club plans to raise over €30 million by selling top players Lassine Sinayoko and Kévin Danois.