Liam Rosenior has reached an agreement to become the new manager of Paris FC, with the Ligue 1 club poised to replace Antoine Kombouaré ahead of the new campaign.
According to Foot Mercato, the former Chelsea and RC Strasbourg Alsace manager has struck a deal with Les Parisiens, though minor contractual details are still being finalised. The Englishman emerged as the priority target for sporting director Marco Neppe, prompting the club to delay their pre-season preparations to secure his signature.
The move represents a change of heart for the 40-year-old. Earlier this month, L’Équipe suggested Rosenior was looking to take a break from management following his departure from Stamford Bridge. However, he has now committed to the Paris project.
Kombouaré’s brief reign
The appointment will mark the end of Kombouaré’s short tenure at the Stade Jean Bouin. The former Paris Saint-Germain and FC Nantes coach arrived in February to replace Stéphane Gilli when the club were entrenched in a relegation battle. He swiftly steadied the side, guiding them to an 11th-placed finish and a comfortable 12-point cushion above the relegation play-off spot.
Despite this dramatic turnaround, doubts over the 60-year-old’s continuation persisted. Kombouaré had indicated last week that he expected to be present for the start of pre-season training, but RMC Sport understands that he is now set to depart as the club prepares to nominate a successor.
Pre-season disruption
Paris FC have already adjusted their summer schedule to facilitate the transition. The squad’s return to training has been pushed back from 1 July to 9 July, a delay directly linked to negotiations with Rosenior.
Rosenior brings experience from both the Premier League and Ligue 1. With pre-season now beginning on 9 July, Paris FC will hope to complete the formalities swiftly to allow the Englishman time to assess his squad and implement his methods before competitive action resumes.
Les Parisiens will be aiming to build on their mid-table security and avoid another relegation battle in the upcoming campaign, though the compressed timeline presents a challenge for the incoming manager.