Samba Diawara will return to his role as assistant manager of Stade de Reims next season, the club’s president, Jean-Pierre Caillot, has confirmed in an interview with the club’s official channel.

Diawara took over from Luka Elsner mid-season, however, he presided over a dramatic slump in form that ultimately led to the club’s demotion to Ligue 2. That was despite an impressive run to the Coupe de France final.

There had been question marks over Diawara’s continuation in the role beyond the season. Those questions have now been put to bed. In an end-of-season review interview, posted on Stadists’ official channel, Caillot confirmed that Diawara would return to his assistant manager role, as he did after a brief stint as interim following Will Still’s departure the following season.

Geraerts expected to be named as Diawara’s successor

Caillot admitted that Diawara “struggled” in the role. He then added that Diawara wished to return to his job as assistant manager, a wish granted by Caillot. The Reims president said that his successor would be named soon. As reported by Sacha Tables, Karel Geraerts has decided to take the role. His appointment is expected at the start of next week.

Tezz | Sandy