March 21st, 2026

Saturday, March 21st, began with a different kind of mission. By 8:30 AM, the Gauthier household was prepared for a family day out. The plan was simple: a one-hour drive to the Cerza Zoo near Lisieux to give the children some much-needed distraction from the recent tension. By 9:00 AM, everyone was buckled into the silver-grey Peugeot 5008, and Julien was just pulling out of the driveway when his phone rang.

He recognized the number instantly. It was Claude Ferrandi, the President of SC Bastia.

Julien felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He pulled the Peugeot into a small parking pocket a few hundred meters from the house, excused himself to a curious-looking Laura, and stepped out into the crisp morning air. He took a breath and returned the call.

The offer was formal and direct: a two-year contract worth £2.6K per week to take over the managerial reins at the Stade Armand-Cesari. Ferrandi was convincing; he spoke of Julien as the "ideal person" to replace Réginald Ray and lead the club's fight for survival. He laid out the vision—a £775,000 transfer budget and a weekly wage structure of £55K. The primary objective was clear and daunting: avoid relegation from Ligue 2 BKT at all costs.

Julien listened intently, his eyes fixed on the horizon. He thanked the President politely for the immense trust, but he didn't say yes. Instead, he asked for a week to consider the proposal, citing the need to discuss such a significant move with his family.

When Julien climbed back into the car, the silence was heavy, broken only by the hum of the Peugeot’s engine. He looked at Laura, then turned slightly toward the back seat to share the news. He was careful with his words—he knew the weight this carried. He explained that Bastia had officially offered him the job.

The reaction from the back seat was instantaneous and divided.

"But Dad, that’s amazing!" Louis beamed, his eyes widening with excitement. "Corsica is beautiful! And the weather there is great, not like this grey rain in Le Havre. Imagine the beaches!" To a young boy, the move sounded like a permanent summer vacation.

Camille, however, looked as though she had been struck. Her expression shifted from curiosity to cold realization in a heartbeat. "You can’t do this!" she protested, her voice trembling slightly. "What about my life here? What about my friends? You’re going to take me away from everything just for a football club?"

"Everyone, calm down," Julien intervened, his voice firm but gentle as he pulled back onto the road. "I haven't accepted anything. It’s just an offer, and we have a lot to think about before any decisions are made."

To shift the mood, Julien began to recount his experiences from the previous day in St. Gallen. He described the sheer professionalism of the Swiss—how they had welcomed him, the pristine state of the facilities, and the overall sense of order. He was honest with them: Grenoble remained a dream, and St. Gallen felt like a significant step up. If another opportunity arose in the next week or two, he admitted, they would almost certainly choose it over the uncertainty of Corsica.

"Switzerland? That’s even better!" Louis said with excitement. "But... do they even speak French there?" He paused for a second, then dismissed his own concern with a shrug. "It doesn't matter! We'll be skiing all the time anyway!"

Camille, however, wasn't so easily swayed by the prospect of snow. "If we have to move, I’d rather have Corsica," she countered, crossing her arms. "At least there’s a sea there!"

The debate between the slopes and the shore continued for nearly half the journey, a ping-pong match of childhood preferences. Throughout it all, Laura remained silent, but a small, knowing smile played on her lips as she watched the Normandy landscape roll by. Eventually, the talk of football and geography faded, replaced by the mounting anticipation of the zoo. The children began to argue over which animals to visit first, their worries about the future temporarily eclipsed by the promise of lions and giraffes.

As the Peugeot cruised toward Cerza, the tension in the car finally began to lift. For a few hours at least, Julien could just be a father, even if the weight of two very different futures was still riding in the passenger seat.

As they pulled into the parking lot, the children were already pressed against the windows, scanning the horizon for the first signs of wildlife. Julien cut the engine, but for a moment, his hands remained gripped tightly around the steering wheel.

They stepped out. The crisp Normandy wind immediately bit through their coats, but the children's energy was infectious. Louis was already tugging at Camille’s sleeve, pulling her toward the entrance, and Camille, forgetting her earlier protest, began to laugh as she tried to keep pace with him. Julien waited for Laura.

After all, football is just one of many factors when someone has multiple options, Julien thought as he walked, holding Laura's hand and watching the children run toward the ticket office. In that fleeting moment, 4-3-3 formations, high-press triggers, and Corsican relegation battles felt entirely irrelevant. He wasn't a manager under pressure; he was just a father wanting to see the look on his children's faces when they saw the polar bears for the first time.

The rest of the day passed in a strange duality. The vast, open spaces of Cerza and the sight of the wild animals were meant to bring peace, but Julien’s mind refused to settle. Watching a lone wolf pacing its enclosure, he couldn't help but think of Bastia: the fight for survival, the feeling of being trapped on a sinking ship. Yet, when they sat for coffee in the modern visitor center, the pristine professionalism of St. Gallen flashed through his mind.

By late afternoon, the family was exhausted. On the drive home, Louis "pretended" to fall asleep within the first ten miles, while Camille stared out the window with her headphones on, lost in her own world.

That evening, once the house had grown quiet and the children were upstairs, Julien and Laura remained in the kitchen. He sat at the table with a glass of red wine and his notebook, where he had scribbled the details of the Bastia offer: £2.6K per week, £775K transfer budget. On paper, it was respectable.

"It’s not about the money, is it?" Laura asked softly, watching him from across the table.

Julien sighed, leaning back. "No. It’s about the direction. Bastia is a firefighting job. If I save them, I’m a hero. If we go down, my career stalls before it truly begins. Switzerland... that’s building something. Stability."

"And Grenoble?" Laura’s voice was gentle, but the question hung heavy in the air.

"Grenoble is home," Julien replied, his gaze drifting to the dark reflection in the window. "But home sometimes feels too far away."

Before Laura could respond, Julien’s phone buzzed on the table. It wasn't a call, but a notification. An email had arrived, and the sender wasn't from Corsica or Switzerland. Julien felt his pulse quicken. Another piece had moved on the chessboard, and the weekend’s fragile peace vanished in an instant.

"What is it?" Laura asked, noticing the shift in his expression.

Julien looked up, his voice steady but low. "It looks like there’s a fourth path."

At this moment I've hit continue and one day has passed. See you on:

March 20th, 2026

By the evening of Thursday, the air in the house felt thick with unspoken calculations. The past few days had been a whirlwind of long, often circular conversations. Julien couldn’t deny it—if he followed his heart and logic, the familiar comfort of Grenoble or the prestige of St. Gallen sat much higher on his list than a survival scrap in Corsica. And then there was still that hope of a french/german top-flight opportunity, a shadow he hadn’t quite let go of.

He and Laura had finally reached a fragile truce: even if the Bastia offer moved forward, they would stall. They would wait until the very last possible moment, hoping for a sign from elsewhere.

That sign arrived on Thursday evening from Julien's agent. Matthias Hüppi, the President of St. Gallen, had officially reached out to offer an interview. The news changed the atmosphere in the Gauthier household instantly. This wasn't just another escape route; it was a genuine step up. St. Gallen wasn't just a stable club; they were currently fighting for European qualification, almost certain to finish in the top half of the Swiss Super League.

The appeal was immediate. Beyond the professional challenge, the geography itself spoke to Julien’s soul. Nestled near the Swiss Alps, the city’s scale and stunning mountain backdrop felt hauntingly similar to Grenoble. It offered the elite infrastructure and first-rate conditions that Julien craved, but with a sense of "home" that Bastia simply couldn't provide.

By Friday morning, Julien was already on the move. There was no time for hesitation. He caught an early flight, his mind racing through tactical setups and squad depth charts. When he landed, the transition was seamless—a hallmark of Swiss precision. A driver sent by the club was already waiting for him at the arrivals terminal, holding a discreet sign.

As the car glided through the pristine landscape toward the meeting, Julien looked out at the peaks. The efficiency of the arrangements, the professional silence of the driver, and the sheer quality of the facilities they passed on the way to the stadium made a deep impression. This was a club that operated at a high level. By the time they pulled up to the club's headquarters where Matthias Hüppi was waiting, Julien felt a surge of genuine conviction.

The interview with Matthias Hüppi surpassed all of Julien’s expectations. It wasn't just the professional prestige; it was the depth of the conversation. Unlike the hurried, ten-minute phone calls with relegation-threatened Ligue 2 side Bastia, this was an elite-level summit. They spoke for hours about footballing philosophy, youth development, and the club’s European ambitions. Julien found the President to be a man of immense character—someone who didn't just want a coach, but a partner in a long-term project.

After the formal discussion, Julien was given a tour of the stadium and the training ground. The infrastructure was impeccable; every blade of grass seemed to be in its perfect place, reflecting the Swiss commitment to excellence. Following a quiet, professional lunch where they finalized the technical details of the vision, the same driver was waiting to bring him back to the airport. The seamlessness of the day made the Bastia option feel like a distant, fading memory.

By the time Julien finally stepped through his front door in Le Havre, the house was silent. The children were already asleep. Laura was still awake, waiting for him in the soft glow of the kitchen light. They had already exchanged a dozen messages throughout the afternoon, but seeing each other in person brought a different kind of gravity to the situation.

Julien dropped his bag, the fatigue of the travel and the emotional weight of the interview finally catching up to him. He looked at Laura, seeing the mixture of hope and exhaustion in her eyes.

"The facilities, Laura... it's exactly what we talked about,"

"I know," she whispered back. "But you're exhausted. Let’s not decide everything tonight."

"Tomorrow. We’ll continue tomorrow," Julien agreed. They headed upstairs in silence.

At this moment I've hit continue and one day has passed. See you on:

March 17th, 2026

The meeting with Nico had been exactly what Julien needed—a chance to step away from the football news and simply enjoy the company of an old friend. However, their conversation was sobering. From Nico, Julien gathered that the atmosphere at the Stade des Alpes remained settled; the board’s confidence in Vahirua was currently unshakable. For now, the door to Grenoble, a place that held so many memories and a sense of safety for the family, was shut.

By Sunday, the Gauthier family had packed their bags and made the trek back to Le Havre. The beginning of the following week was really quiet.. However, that silence was shattered on the morning of the 17th by a phone call originating from a Corsican area code.

It was Claude Ferrandi, the President of SC Bastia.

The conversation lasted barely thirty minutes, but the intent was clear. Ferrandi wanted an interview. The President’s tone suggested urgency; the club was flirting with the relegation zone, and they were looking for a character capable of galvanizing a fractured dressing room. When Laura returned home after finishing her morning errands, she found Julien practically glowing with the news.

"Laura, it was Bastia! Ferrandi, their president called me for an interview," Julien told her, unable to hide his excitement.

The reaction, however, was not the one he had hoped for. Laura stopped mid-sentence, her expression cooling instantly. Of the three potential paths they had discussed previously, this was the one she favored the least.

"Bastia, Julien? Really?" she asked, leaning against the kitchen counter. "It might still be France on paper, but you know as well as I do it feels like another world. Coming back from Switzerland or even Northern Italy would be simple. But from the island? It’s a logistical nightmare for us."

Julien stepped closer, trying to soften her stance with reality. "But Laura, we have to be realistic. I talked to Nico on Saturday. He made it clear. Vahirua has the full backing of the board there. That door is closed for now."

He paused, searching for a spark of interest in her eyes. "Look at the project. The shores of Corsica are beautiful, and the fans are some of the most passionate in the country. It would be a massive challenge to keep this team up, exactly the kind of test I need right now. It's a real job, Laura."

Laura simply looked at him, a silence falling between them that felt heavier than any tactical debate. She turned away to continue her tasks, leaving the words hanging in the air.

No other interesting benches had opened up over the last weekend, leaving Julien with few alternatives. He held no grudge against Laura—he truly understood her anxieties about the isolation of the island—but he kept his own counsel. Secretly, he was still hoping for a call from Toulouse or Hamburg, though he hadn't dared to mention his interest in these positions to anyone since. Despite the domestic tension, Ferrandi had left a positive impression on him; the President seemed like a sympathetic figure, and they had found common ground on the idea of seeking a parent club to help achieve Bastia’s long-term goals. For Julien, the spark of ambition was already beginning to outweigh the logistical fears.

The wait had officially begun.

At this moment I've hit continue and a few days have passed. See you on:

March 13th, 2026

The kids had been doing so well in school that Julien and Laura decided they could afford to miss a couple of days, allowing the Gauthier family to hit the road for Grenoble as early as Thursday. By early afternoon, they had checked into a hotel conveniently located near the Stade des Alpes, the stadium’s silhouette a constant reminder of why they were there.

Later, they took a long walk through the city center. It had been nearly twenty years since Grenoble’s last historic promotion to Ligue 1, yet the city’s memory proved long. Julien was stopped several times by locals who still recognized their former captain; handshakes were exchanged, and old stories of midfield battles were briefly revived. After a quiet, hearty family dinner, the first day of their homecoming came to a close.

Friday morning, shortly after breakfast, Julien’s phone buzzed with an unfamiliar international number—a Dutch country code.  He was surprised, but he took the call. The voice on the other end was professional, inquiring about his availability for a project in the Netherlands. Julien remained composed, replying politely to the reporter of Voetbalzone that while he was certainly open to opportunities abroad, he wasn't in a rush. He made it clear that he would only move for the right project, one that aligned with his family’s needs and his own coaching philosophy.

To kill time before the big match, the family took a ride on the famous "Les Bulles" cable cars. As the glass spheres ascended toward the Bastille fortress, the panoramic view of the mountains and the Isère river was breathtaking. The children pressed their faces against the glass, mesmerized by the height, but Julien’s gaze kept drifting toward the green rectangle of the stadium below.

The scenery was stunning, but his mind was already at the 8:00 PM kickoff. He was back in the mountains, and tonight, the football world would be watching.

As the kickoff approached, a wave of nostalgia washed over Julien. The last time he had stood in this tunnel was in the spring of 2023, serving as the tactical mind behind Le Havre’s promotion charge. Back then, he was the visitor, the "enemy" plotter. Now, he was back as a supporter, yet his heart felt pulled in two directions. On one side, his beloved Grenoble was desperately fighting to avoid the drop; on the other, Saint-Étienne, a club where he had also poured years of his professional life, was hunting for a return to the top flight.

Settling into his seat, Julien’s analytical mind immediately took over, dissecting the flow of the game. To his surprise, Grenoble didn't look like a team staring at the relegation zone. They played with a brave, high press, carving out several clear-cut opportunities in the opening half-hour. The home crowd was roaring, sensing an upset. Each time Grenoble broke through the lines, the final touch was missing—a shot dragged wide, a header straight at the keeper, a cross just an inch too high.

Then, the inevitable happened. Just before the halftime whistle, in the 43rd minute, Saint-Étienne's Pierre Ekwah found a pocket of space. With a clinical finish that silenced the Stade des Alpes, he put the visitors ahead.

The second half was a story of frustration. Grenoble continued to push, showing a spirit, but the ball simply wouldn't go in. As the clock ticked down to the final whistle, the scoreboard told a harsh story: Grenoble 0-1 Saint-Étienne.

Julien sat in silence as the "Les Verts" fans celebrated their climb to 3rd place. He looked down at the pitch, his mind racing through the tactical adjustments he would have made to fix that toothless attack. He knew this squad had potential, but they were lacking the clinical edge that separates survival from success.

As the crowd began to filter out of the Stade des Alpes, Julien checked his phone for the other results of the night. It was a bittersweet update from Corsica: SC Bastia had secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Boulogne.

With those three points, Bastia had momentarily clawed their way out of the relegation zone, a result that surely eased the immediate pressure on their coaching staff. For Julien, it was another door that seemed to be closing, at least for the time being.

He looked back at the pitch where the Grenoble players were trudging toward the dressing room, heads bowed. While Bastia had found a way to survive the weekend, his home club was sinking deeper into the mire. The contrast was sharp—one of his former teams was celebrating, while the other was suffocating under the weight of missed opportunities. The night air in Grenoble felt colder than when they had arrived.

Back at the hotel, the kids were finally asleep, but Julien’s mind was far from resting. He sat by the window, the distant lights of the Stade des Alpes still glowing, and pulled up the latest European managerial movements. Two specific vacancies caught his eye.

In Germany, Hamburger SV had just parted ways with their coach, sitting rock bottom of the Bundesliga. It was a massive club, a sleeping giant in desperate need of a tactical overhaul. Closer to home, Toulouse FC was sitting 2nd to bottom in Ligue 1, their top-flight status hanging by a thread.

Julien stared at the screen, a quiet hope flickering in his chest. These were the "big leagues" Pierre had joked about just a few days ago. He knew, realistically, it might be too early for a man who had never officially held a head coaching role to jump straight into a relegation scrap in the German or French top flight. Yet, his years as a high-level assistant had prepared him for exactly these kinds of high-pressure environments.

He didn't mention them to Laura just yet; they felt like secret dreams, perhaps a step too far for a first job. But as he closed his laptop, he couldn't help but wonder if his reputation in the scouting and coaching circles was enough to make either board take a gamble on a "fresh" tactical mind.

The silence of the hotel room was suddenly broken by a sharp, rhythmic vibration. Julien looked down at his phone on the nightstand. It wasn't his agent this time.

It was a local Grenoble number.

"What the hell, already?" Julien muttered to himself, his heart hammering against his ribs. The timing felt too perfect—could that 1-0 defeat to Saint-Étienne have been the final straw for the Grenoble board? Was Marama Vahirua already out, and was the club reaching out to their former captain before the stadium lights had even cooled?

He swiped the screen with trembling fingers, his voice tight as he answered. "Hello?" But it wasn't the President. It wasn't an official call to the club offices.

"Julien! It’s Nico," a familiar voice on the other end. It was Nicolas, an old teammate from their playing days who was now coaching in the GF38 youth academy. "Word travels fast in this city, man. Someone spotted you in the stands tonight. I figured if the legendary captain is back in town, the least I can do is buy him a drink. You free tomorrow night? We’ve got a lot to catch up on."

It was just a social call—a ghost from his past reaching out for a beer.

"Nico! You scared the life out of me," Julien laughed, leaning back against the headboard. "Yeah, I'm in town with the family. Tomorrow night works. I’d love to hear how things are really going behind the scenes."

As he hung up, he caught Laura watching him from the doorway She didn't need to ask who it was; she had seen the "managerial look" in his eyes fade back into the "old friend" expression.

"Not the call you were expecting?" she asked softly.

"Not yet," Julien replied, setting the phone down. "But in this city, everyone is watching. Let’s see what Nico has to say tomorrow. Sometimes the best intel comes from the guys on the training grounds, not the ones in the suits."

He closed his eyes, but the images of the Hamburg and Toulouse league tables still danced behind his eyelids. The weekend wasn't over yet.

(To be honest with you guys, I know Julien's backstory is so strong, I think if he'd apply for any of these two, they would both offer him an interview at least. But he won't… Still we're both hoping for a surprise call)

At this moment I've hit continue and a few days have passed. See you on:

March 11th, 2026

The next few days passed in a steady rhythm. Between school runs, helping the kids with homework, and quiet walks along the coast, Julien and Laura found some moments of peace. The "Rouen circus" in the media had died down, replaced by the relentless cycle of the football calendar. By Wednesday morning, the breakfast table was once again the war room, with Julien scrolling through the latest results from the leagues in France, and Switzerland.

The clubs on his radar had a mixed weekend. SC Bastia managed a 1-0 away win against Pau FC, a result that likely bought their current staff some breathing room. Meanwhile, the news from home was less encouraging; Grenoble Foot 38 stumbled in a 2-0 defeat away at Rodez, leaving the fans increasingly restless. Across the border in Switzerland, St. Gallen—under their interim manager—battled to a hard-fought draw at home against 3rd-placed Luzern. It was a respectable point, and it left the door slightly open for a permanent appointment.

As Julien finished his coffee, his agent’s name flashed on his phone screen. This time, it wasn't a mid-table struggle. Valenciennes FC, currently sitting 4th in the Championnat National, wanted an interview. They were just three points off the leaders and a single point away from the promotion spots. For the first time, Julien hesitated. This wasn't a rescue mission; it was a promotion race. He spent the entire day weighing the pros and cons, pacing the living room while Laura watched him with knowing eyes. However, by evening, his conviction returned. If he was going to lead a team, it had to be in the professional echelons of the top two tiers. He called his agent back and declined.

With that door closed, Julien turned his attention to the upcoming weekend. Friday the 13th would bring a massive clash at the Stade des Alpes: Grenoble vs. Saint-Étienne. Between the two clubs, Julien had spent a decade of his playing career, followed by years as an assistant in Grenoble. These were the teams that defined his life in football. He debated whether showing up would look like he was "scouting" for a job, but his history with both fanbases ran too deep to stay away.

The Gauthier family would be in the stands on Friday night. Home was calling.

At this moment I've hit continue and a couple of days have passed. See you on:

March 7th, 2026

The rest of the week slipped into a quiet, domestic routine. On Thursday, the family headed to the cinema to catch the latest animated movie, the flickering screen providing a much-needed escape from the constant refresh of football news. Behind the scenes, however, the gears were turning. Laura and Julien spent their evenings in hushed conversations, weighing the pros and cons of living on the other side of the Swiss border against the frustrating silence from Bastia and the agonizing "wait-and-see" approach of their beloved Grenoble.

By Friday night, the verdict was in. As they sat over a glass of wine after the kids had gone to bed, Laura looked at him. 

"The children are young enough to adapt," she said. "A new culture... it could be the good for them. I think we should try."

But of course, in the world of football, nothing is ever certain. Julien knew his reputation as a top-tier assistant was solid, but would a Swiss top-flight club truly gamble on a head-coaching rookie when established names were on the market?

On Saturday morning, Julien made the call to his agent. "Put my name in for the St. Gallen job," he said. "Let’s see if they’re interested in a fresh perspective."

As he hung up and opened his laptop to clear his inbox, an unfamiliar notification caught his eye. Another invitation for an interview. This time, it was from another team from Rouen: Quevilly-Rouen.  (Funny isn't it? - But no, this time we are going in a different direction)

Currently struggling in 14th place in the Championnat National, they were Rouen’s bitter rivals, even sharing the same stadium, the Stade Robert Diochon. It was almost poetic—both tenants of the same ground reached out to him within the same week. However, Julien didn't need to consult Laura this time. His ambition was clear. He had tasted the atmosphere of Ligue 1, and his standards remained firm.

Without hesitation, he declined the offer. He wasn't going to spend his weekends fighting for survival in the third tier, regardless of which locker room in Rouen he’d be sitting in. He was holding out for the second flight at the very least—or the alpine air of the Super League.

Later that morning, Julien’s agent called back with an update from Switzerland. The news wasn't an immediate "yes," but it wasn't a "no" either. St. Gallen had decided to hold off on a permanent appointment for now, giving Boro Kuzmanovic—Maassen’s former assistant—a chance to prove himself as interim manager. The club's board told the agent they would keep Julien’s CV on file and get back to him if the situation changed.
 

Another waiting game had begun.

At this moment I've hit continue and a few days have passed. See you on:

March 3rd, 2026

Yesterday felt strangely normal. After dropping the kids off at school, Julien drove the car to a local garage for its long-overdue service. The walls of the workshop were a shrine to Le Havre AC, plastered with posters and memorabilia.

"I know exactly who you are," the mechanic, Pierre, said with a grin, pointing to a framed team photo from the 2022/23 season. There stood Julien, positioned right in the center with the coaching staff, shoulder to shoulder with Luka Elsner. They spent a good twenty minutes reminiscing about that triumphant season when the club clawed its way back into the top flight. Pierre sighed as he wiped his grease-stained hands. "You shouldn't have left. If that group were still together, we wouldn't be looking at the relegation zone right now," he added. He told Julien the car would be ready the next day. They shook hands, and Julien took a taxi home. With the kids at school and Laura out doing the weekly shopping, the rest of the day passed in a quiet, uneventful blur.

But today, something really happened. It's just before 9:00 AM. Laura had just returned from the school run to find Julien standing in the kitchen, slowly lowering his phone from his ear. His expression was unreadable.

"Who was that?" she asked.

"The President of FC Rouen," Julien replied. "They want to bring me in for an interview."

Rouen was currently sitting in 10th place in the Championnat National—the French third tier. A semi-professional setup.

Laura looked at him, waiting for his reaction. "And?"

"I said no," Julien said firmly. He looked out the window, his mind flashing back to the posters in the garage and the heights he had already reached. "I’m better than that"

A few hours later, the French sports media caught wind of the story. It didn’t take long for the headlines to pop up on various football portals. Julien and Laura sat at the kitchen table, scrolling through the news, unable to suppress their laughter at the speed of the rumor mill. It was almost surreal to see his name being debated with such intensity. After all, Julien had never actually held a head coaching position for a senior first team before; his reputation was built on his his work behind the scenes as an assistant manager in the last decade or so, he wasn't even a french international, just a guy with a few good seasons in Ligue 1. Yet, there it was—the press dissecting his "rejection" of Rouen as if it were a major power move in the coaching market.

"They’re talking about me like I’m some seasoned veteran holding out for a Champions League team," Julien joked, tossing his phone onto the table.

Early in the afternoon, Julien’s phone buzzed with an unfamiliar Parisian number. It was a journalist from L'Équipe TV, looking for a quote on the rumors regarding FC Rouen. 

He didn't want to get into a long debate or sound arrogant, so he kept his answer brief and professional. When asked why he had declined the opportunity to start his head coaching career there, Julien simply replied:

"I just didn't have any interest in taking them up on their offer, it's as simple as that."

He hung up and shared a look with Laura. It felt right. He was honest. Later, seeing his own words scrolling across the ticker on the sports news felt surreal. He hadn't even coached a single match as a manager yet, but the media was already treating his decisions like major news. It was a strange, laughing moment for the family—an "unemployed" man turning down jobs on national television.

But the day wasn’t over for the Gauthier family. While the possibilities in Grenoble and Bastia had felt like distant flickers in the previous days, Julien was still holding out hope for a call from home—from Grenoble. He was certain about one thing: he wouldn't settle for anything below the French second flight. However, as he was scrolling through the weekend’s international football news, a headline from across the border caught his eye: "Maassen staff leave St. Gallen roles." Enrico Maassen’s departure from the Swiss club had sparked a mass exodus, with key assistants like Marvin Compper and Sebastian Block also walking out he wasn't aware of the managerial change at St. Gallen before.

St. Gallen. A historic club in a stable, top-tier European league. It was only a few hours' drive from the French border, but it felt like a world away from the drama of Nancy or the semi-pro offers of Rouen. Julien set his laptop aside and looked at Laura. She was reading on the sofa, finally relaxed after the day's media circus.

"Laura," he started, his voice quiet but serious. "How open are you to moving? I mean, we agreed you’d follow me at the end of the school year, but... would you consider going abroad?"

Laura looked up, closing her book. The question hung in the air, shifting the focus from the familiar roads of France to the unknown possibilities of the Swiss Super League.

"Switzerland?" she asked softly. “This day has been a circus with the Rouen story and the media. Let’s sleep on it for a few days!”

A few hours later, they set out together to pick up the car.  When they arrived at the workshop, Pierre was already wiping down the windshield. 

"Right on time!" he called out, handing over the keys. "She’s purring like a kitten now. Ready for the road, wherever that next contract takes you—just remember us when you're back in the big leagues."

Julien settled into the driver's seat, the familiar smell of the car providing a strange sense of stability amidst the career chaos. They drove straight from the garage to the school gates. As the kids piled into the back seat, shouting about their day, Julien glanced at Laura. She was looking out the window, perhaps already imagining a life near the Swiss Alps—a landscape that mirrored the Grenoble Foot 38 years they both cherished so much.

At this moment I've hit continue and a few days have passed. As there are no real news until then, see you when the game stopped:

March 1st, 2026

The Shores of Le Havre

The first day of spring brought the family to the coast of Le Havre. It was their first seaside walk of the year. They spent the afternoon on the shore, the conversation drifting between memories of Julien’s parents and the familys plans for the coming months. For a few hours, the phone stayed in Julien's pocket.

Early afternoon, they stopped at a waterfront restaurant for lunch. The atmosphere was relaxed until Julien noticed the TV in the corner. A sports channel was running a segment on the Ligue 2 relegation battle.

Then his face appeared on the screen next to the AS Nancy Lorraine crest. The headline was blunt: "NANCY FANS LAUGH OFF INTEREST FROM GAUTHIER."

The report quoted a supporters' spokesperson who dismissed his interest as a joke, claiming he had "no chance" and that the club wouldn't even consider other candidates while Pablo Correa was still in charge. The phrase 'Currently unemployed' sat under his name in bold letters.

They went silent. Julien stared at the screen, the public rejection felt bad. He had reached out in good faith, and now he was being mocked on national TV.

It was Camille who finally broke the tension. She looked at the TV, then back at her father.

"Well, we wanted to go home to Grenoble anyway, didn't we?"

The dry remark caught them off guard. Julien looked at Laura, a short laugh escaped him, and the tension in his shoulders finally dropped. They finished their desserts, paid the bill, and drove home in silence. The news was out, the door to Nancy was slammed shut, and for the first time in weeks, the path forward felt clear—even if it was blocked.

By the time they pulled into the driveway, the salty breeze of Le Havre had been replaced by the familiar, grounding scents of home. The knot in Julien’s chest, tied tight by the mockery on the television, began to loosen. Camille retreated to her room with a quiet "I have homework," but the lingering smirk on her face suggested she knew exactly what she’d done—her dry remark at the restaurant had been the anchor her father needed.

Later that evening, as the house grew quiet, Julien and Laura sat in the living room with the laptop closed and the TV off. The conversation wasn't a frantic analysis of job openings, but a practical map of the week ahead.

As Julien watched the sunset from the window, the "Currently Unemployed" label no longer felt like a brand of shame. It was just a temporary status, a pause between chapters. The fans in Nancy could laugh all they wanted; they were stuck in a relegation fight, and he was home, surrounded by the only team that never stopped believing in him.

See you on:

February 28, 2026

The Hunt Is On

Saturday morning began with the Gauthier family’s usual routine. Julien, who had been enjoying the comforts of home for a year now, hopped on his bike to pick up fresh croissants and baguettes from the small bakery nearby. Meanwhile, Laura was busy in the kitchen, preparing everything for breakfast. By the time Julien returned, the kids were already awake.

At the table, Laura and Julien discussed the potential opportunity in Nancy. They both knew Julien had been deeply missing the dressing room atmosphere and the feel of the grass under his boots. Laura wasn't against the idea of moving either—though only after the school year ended—as they had truly cherished this year of freedom and togetherness.

As they chatted over breakfast, little Louis’s eyes caught the back page of the Saturday morning paper.

"Dad, Dad! Look at this!" he shouted, pointing excitedly at a headline.

Julien took the newspaper, and a sudden silence fell over the room. The whole family looked at him with knowing smiles. They understood that this wasn’t just about finally getting a chance to work again. This was about Grenoble. This was about going home—perhaps not forever, but with a bit of luck, for years to come.

With a wide grin, Julien kissed his son on the forehead, grabbed his phone, and began walking out of the kitchen.

"Keep eating. I’ll be back in a few minutes!" he said.

He stepped out onto the terrace, the crisp February air hitting his face as he looked at the digital edition of the news on his phone. The headline was stark: "Rizzetto sacked by Grenoble."

After yesterday’s painful defeat against Boulogne, the club had slipped to 11th place, now languishing only five points above the relegation zone. Chairperson Stéphane Rosnoblet had finally seen enough. The "writing had been on the wall" for Rizzetto, but for Julien, those words felt like an invitation.

He scrolled through the article, his heart racing. Les Bleu et Blanc were looking for a new manager. Someone who understood the club’s DNA. Someone who wouldn't just fight for survival, but would rebuild the soul of the team.

Julien didn't hesitate. He bypassed his agent for a moment and dialed a number he hadn't called in a long time—a direct line to a contact deep within the Stade des Alpes.

Julien could hardly believe his ears. Back in his day, he was never granted such a smooth transition, yet here was Marama Vahirua, handed the conductor’s baton just like that. He stood on the terrace for a moment, the cold phone still pressed to his palm, before taking a deep breath and heading back inside.

The warmth of the kitchen and the smell of fresh coffee felt distant now. He sat back down, the newspaper still open on the table.

"And?" Laura asked, her eyes searching his face.

"They received the application," Julien began, his voice low. "But there’s a catch. They aren’t looking to appoint anyone immediately. Marama Vahirua has been put in temporary charge."

He looked at his children, then back at his wife. "The board wants to give him a chance to prove himself. They’re going to wait and see how the team performs under him before making a final decision."

Vahirua, the Tahitian legend known for his "paddling" goal celebration ( https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sZ56lImMY14?feature=share ), was now the man standing between Julien and his dream of returning to the Stade des Alpes. The family’s smiles faded slightly, replaced by a tense curiosity. The wait wasn't over; it had simply turned into a high-stakes waiting game. Julien knew all too well that in football, "temporary" could either mean two weeks or the rest of the season.

But Julien was done waiting. He had been burned before, letting his heart dictate his career moves whenever a whisper of a Grenoble opening reached his ears. This time, pragmatism took the lead. If the Stade des Alpes wanted to gamble on an interim solution, he would look elsewhere to prove his worth.

The Ligue 2 managerial carousel was spinning fast. Another vacancy had just opened up, and Julien didn't hesitate to throw his hat into the ring.

SC Bastia, the Corsican club was in dire straits, sitting in 18th place—rock bottom. Yet, hope wasn't lost; they were a mere point away from safety.

"I can't just sit here watching Vahirua from the sidelines," Julien said, his eyes sharp with a renewed focus. "Bastia needs a fighter.  I'm going to apply for this job too."

Laura nodded slowly, understanding the shift in his energy. The romantic idea of returning home to Grenoble was being replaced by the raw ambition of a man who simply needed to lead a team again. Julien reached for his laptop, the breakfast forgotten. By noon, his CV was sitting in the inbox of the chairman in Corsica. The hunt was truly on.

Julien stared at his screen, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. He turned the laptop around so Laura could see the latest email.

"SC Bastia job application received."

The message from Claude Ferrandi was a carbon copy of the situation in Grenoble. The board acknowledged his interest, only to deliver the same punchline: Emmanuel Giudicelli, the assistant, was being given the reigns to prove himself.

"Is this a joke?" Julien asked, leaning back in his chair. "It’s like they’re all reading from the same script. Grenoble has Vahirua, Bastia has Giudicelli... Everyone wants to 'wait and see' while their ships are sinking."

The Corsican project, was frozen in the same state of uncertainty. Julien felt the walls of his home office closing in. He had spent a year away from the game, and now that he was ready to throw himself into the fire, he was being told to wait in the lobby.

Julien pushed the laptop away, the screen dimming as if reflecting his own dampened spirits. The excitement that had filled the kitchen just an hour ago had evaporated, replaced by the reality of the "interim" trend sweeping through Ligue 2.

"So, Julien waits," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. He realized there was nothing more he could do today. The CVs were sent, the calls were made, and the chess pieces were on the board—even if the chairmen weren't ready to move them yet.

Laura reached across the table and squeezed his hand, drawing him back to the present. "Enough football for today, okay? Tomorrow is Sunday. No school, no training sessions, no refreshing emails every five minutes."

Julien looked at her and managed a small, appreciative smile. She was right. He had spent a year enjoying this freedom; he shouldn't let a few "wait and see" emails ruin the weekend.

"You're right," he said, standing up to clear the breakfast plates. "Let's plan tomorrow. A long walk along the coast of Le Havre? The fresh air will do us all some good."

"Perfect," Laura replied, her smile brightening. "A family day. No phones, just the beach and the wind."

"We'll see what Monday brings," Julien added, casting one last glance at his silent phone before closing the kitchen door. "But for now, let's just be the Gauthiers."

See you as soon as something interesting happens!

The Journey Begins (again)

Some of you might remember when I first tried this a few months ago. I spent a month building up Julien's story, but in the end, I didn't really manage to translate it into the game. Now I’m trying again; I have a concept in mind that I think could work.

Let’s summarize where we left off when FM26 was released in early November:

Julien Gauthier, who moved from Le Havre to Everton at a young age, from where he was loaned to Preston, and then to the German side Bochum in the final year of his contract. After they were relegated from the Bundesliga, he returned home to France, where, as captain, he led Grenoble back to the French top flight after 60 years. He became a legend, but after his club went bankrupt, he signed with St. Étienne and won the League Cup in the penultimate year of his career. In the following season, his right ankle—which had troubled him many times throughout his career—finally gave out for good.

He spent the next 10 years attending coaching courses and working extensively as an assistant manager. He strongly expected to eventually take the reins at Grenoble, but that never materialized. In 2022, he became the assistant manager at his boyhood club, Le Havre, under Luka Elsner. They performed so well that Reims, aiming for European competition, came calling for Elsner (in the summer of 2024), who asked Gauthier to follow him as his assistant. Julien didn't hesitate for long, but the mission ended in failure. In the spring of 2025, when the team was closer to the relegation zone than to Europe, the coaching duo was sacked.

Julien is married to his wife, Laura, and they have two children: 13-year-old Camille and 10-year-old Louis.

So, this is where we start. I hope I’ll have more success this time than I did before.

About the save: The active leagues are those where Julien has spent time during his career—France, England, and Germany. In addition, I've included Switzerland and Italy (due to their proximity to Grenoble; Northern Italy, in particular, could be a realistic destination for Julien), as well as Belgium. All leagues from these six countries are included in the game.

So, here we are on February 26, 2026. There are a total of 17 vacant managerial positions in the leagues mentioned above. The most prominent vacancies are at Sheffield United, currently sitting 18th in the Championship, and Hannover, 14th in the 2. Bundesliga. 

However, Julien doesn't feel ready for these roles just yet. On the other hand, the vacancy at Pau FC—who are currently rock bottom of Ligue 2—has certainly piqued his interest.

However, Julien spent so much time overthinking his application that by the time he was ready to apply, it was already too late:

Once Julien started showing signs of life, the French press tracked him down immediately. He was questioned regarding the struggling Nancy, and he spoke with surprising honesty. He admitted that he is closely monitoring the situation and would be interested in the opportunity.

See you as soon as something interesting happens - most likely in a couple of days. And this time, it’s going to be a very slow burn..

Fresh Air and New Foundations

The season had left its marks—deep ones. So when it ended, Julien knew exactly what his family needed: escape. A break from Norman skies, from the weight of expectations, from the endless cycle of tactical meetings and match analysis.

They chose the Côte d'Azur. The Mediterranean sun felt like medicine. For two weeks, Julien sat by the water, watching his children play and swim, sharing quiet moments with Laura that didn't revolve around contract negotiations or squad selection. The tension that had nearly broken them began to ease. It wasn't a complete reconciliation—they weren't naive enough to think a holiday could erase everything—but it was a beginning. Laura smiled more genuinely. Julien felt the weight lift, if only temporarily.

But even paradise has an expiration date. By the end of the second week, Julien's mind had already begun to wander back to football. Not to yesterday's problems, but to tomorrow's possibilities.

The journey back to Normandy marked a new chapter. When they arrived at their new home in Petit-Quevilly, closer to the stadium but far enough from the isolation that had plagued them, there was an unfamiliar energy. Fresh starts are always tinged with hope and anxiety in equal measure.

The next few weeks blurred together in a symphony of unpacking. Boxes everywhere. Laura directing the placement of furniture with a determination that suggested she was reclaiming not just a house, but a life. The children explored their new rooms with the wonder of discovery. Julien helped where he could, but his mind was already elsewhere—half in the hallway with a lamp, half in meeting rooms discussing transfers.

Because even as boxes were being unpacked, Julien's thoughts were consumed by the transfer market. The season had revealed gaps in his squad. Certain positions needed reinforcement. Others required renewal. He'd spent those Mediterranean evenings scrolling through player profiles on his phone, making notes, sketching out potential moves. The relegation battle had taught him hard lessons: you cannot stand still. You must evolve, strengthen, adapt.

By the end of July, as the final boxes found their places and the new house began to feel like home, Julien was already deep in conversation with Jonathan Rivierez (assistant) and Juan Miquel Tura (DoF). Which players could be moved? Which targets were realistic? The transfer window was closing, but opportunities remained. The hunt had already begun.

Laura noticed, of course. She always did. But this time, there was no reproach in her eyes—only understanding. This was who Julien was. The key was balance, not erasure. And perhaps, in this new house in Petit-Quevilly, they could finally find it.

The new season was approaching. And with it, new possibilities.

Players In

First, the excellent dribbler Keenan Cruden arrived on loan from Volendam. Julien primarily counted on the 19-year-old winger on the left flank. 

The 20-year-old Surinamese Jahrnell Wjngaarde arrived on loan from another Dutch side NAC Breda to play on the opposite flank. 

Kelechi Nwakali arrived on a free transfer from Barnsley in League One. He is primarily deployable behind the striker(s). QRM signed him to a contract until 2030. 

Jussef Nasraowe, arriving from Bayern, was already mentioned in January. 

Pape Moussa Fall scored 9 goals for top-flight Metz in the previous season. The 23-year-old, 203 cm tall excellent heading striker signed a contract with the club until 2031. In his case, QRM pays significantly higher salary than usual, but Julien and the staff expect a lot from him. If this signing works out, staying up should be much smoother this year.​

The experienced centre-back Philipp Maier arrived on a free transfer from TSV 1860 Munich, who were relegated from 2. Bundesliga. 

The 20-year-old Noham Kamara arrived on loan from PSG, also for this position.​

The still only 18-year-old Wassim Slama begins his third consecutive season on loan from PSG at Petit-Quevilly. 

Players promoted from the youth team

The 18-year-old Mabanza will be the Sy's backup at left-back position. 

Players Out

Hare and Pegard left the club for a total of 134,000 pounds. The latter did not play a single match for QRM. Upon the expiration of his contract, Tiago Da Costa departed to Basel. Noah Gomes, David Teissier, and Guilavogui are playing on one-year loans in hopes of more playing time. 

At this moment, the team is spending slightly more than the salary budget allowed by the presidency, so Julien and his staff are still working on selling 1-2 players, but the suitors are not really coming...

Pre-season friendlies

The preseason friendlies painted a worrying picture. Against Rouen—newly promoted from the National to Ligue 2, hungry and organized—Julien's side suffered a defeat on neutral ground. It was a sobering reminder that the step up in competition would be unforgiving. 

The following week brought genuine concern. Against Peterborough, a team competing in League One , Julien's side was dismantled 5-1 at home. Achille Anani managed a lone goal, but it was little consolation in what was a chastening display. The defensive frailties were exposed ruthlessly, and the midfield couldn't find any rhythm or control.

Then came the fixture against Le Havre—the team that had dominated Ligue 2 just last season, now preparing for Ligue 1. The result was much better as  it ended in a goalless draw. Finally, a local match against Grand-Quevilly, the amateur side from just across the way, offered some respite: a 1-0 win courtesy of Nwakali's 36th-minute goal. But even that felt hollow against the backdrop of the week's humiliations.

As August drew to a close, Julien knew the hard work was just beginning. The preseason had been a harsh teacher: his squad wasn't ready. The real test would come when the season began, and there would be no room for the mistakes he'd witnessed in July.

After the season opener against newly promoted Sochaux, Julien's team visits the relegated Saint-Étienne, followed by two tough matches against Laval and Amiens. Points should be secured against Rodez and Rouen for safe survival at the end of the season.

See you in a month!

The Price of Ambition

When Football Is More Than Wins and Losses

Before the season started, Julien made a promise. More time with family. Fewer nights away. A better balance between the demands of management and the needs of those he loved most. It was a sincere promise, born from the exhaustion of the previous campaign and a genuine desire to be present.

But promises are fragile things, especially in football.

As the season unfolded and results continued to disappoint, Julien found himself working longer hours, analyzing more footage, searching endlessly for tactical solutions that never quite materialized. The stress didn't stay at the stadium—it came home with him. His irritability grew, his patience wore thin. Laura bore the brunt of it all.

She handled everything: school runs, household decisions, medical appointments, finances, the endless logistical choreography of family life. All while Julien was consumed by the club, by results, by the weight of keeping the team afloat. When he was home, he was distant—mentally still at the training ground, replaying missed chances and tactical failures. The conversations became shorter, colder. The silences grew longer.

By mid-season, the marriage itself was cracking under the strain. Laura felt abandoned. Julien felt misunderstood. Neither knew quite how to bridge the gap that had quietly opened between them.

Then came Michel Mallet's offer: a contract extension. A chance to continue, to try again, to prove himself. For most managers, it would be a moment of validation. For Julien, it became a crossroads.

That night, Julien and Laura sat down for a conversation they couldn't avoid any longer. The words came slowly at first, then in a rush—years of frustration, worry, and loneliness pouring out. They talked about what they wanted, what they needed, what was worth sacrificing and what wasn't. They even spoke about the possibility of Julien's retirement from management, but they both knew it would be a disaster for the family for totally different reasons.

By the end of the evening, a decision had been made: the family would relocate. Petit-Quevilly or Rouen—somewhere close enough to the stadium, but far enough removed from the isolation that had plagued them. A fresh start, a new base, a chance to rebuild what had been slowly crumbling.

It wasn't a romantic gesture or a grand gesture. It was survival—the survival of their marriage, their family, their life together. In accepting the contract, Julien was also accepting something else: that football, for all its glory, means nothing if it costs you the people you love.

Sometimes the most important victories aren't won on the pitch. They're fought for in quiet rooms, in difficult conversations, and in the difficult decision to change course before it's too late.

See you next with the summer of 2027!

Tactical Tweaks

Last season, Julien Gauthier’s belief in a single formation was absolute. The team was built on routine and stability; every match, his side lined up the same way, trusting familiarity to bring results.

But as the new campaign unfolded, the level of opposition climbed sharply. Every week, Julien faced teams stronger and smarter than before. He knew repetition would no longer be enough. Adapting became not just an option—but a necessity. Alongside his assistant, Jonathan Rivierez, Julien spent countless hours in the office, day and night, searching for answers. Together, they poured over match footage, analyzing every detail, every pattern—hoping to uncover a tactical edge. Gradually, their hard work paid off. Julien began to introduce two new formations into the team’s repertoire, adjusting tactics based on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes that meant switching shape mid-match; sometimes it meant surprising everyone with a bold new lineup from the start.

Change brought its own set of challenges—uncertainty, nerves, moments of doubt. But Julien remained relentless. His willingness to learn and to adapt kept hope alive, even in the toughest fixtures. This season, leadership meant more than holding firm—it demanded creativity, courage and endless preparation. And if victories were harder to win, they felt all the sweeter, knowing how much had gone into the fight.

Fortune lended a helping hand sometimes. In the closing rounds, despite all the difficulties, a few results went their way. The right bounce, a rival’s slip, a late goal out of nowhere. Bit by bit, those moments of luck added up. By season’s end, Julien’s team had done just enough. They had survived. Survival may not have looked pretty, but it meant everything. For Julien, it was proof that hard work and adaptability mattered—even when success demanded a little luck as well.

In the second half of the season, Julien also started to integrate David Teissier, who only turned 16 in December. 

Mvukana who was promoted to the first team last season has become an increasingly important player. 

The heart of Julien Gauthier’s squad was Achille Anani, whose goals (14 in all competitions) kept the team afloat during tough spells. Around him, Hermann Tebily and Wassim Slama added much-needed variety, each finding the net several times and supporting attacks from wider and deeper positions.  In defense and midfield, players such as Philipp Schulz, Thibault Campanini, Tony Njiké, and Pelle Boevink stood out for their steady presence and high number of appearances. It's important to mention Cristian Dell'Orco as well who was the only outfield player who started in every single match this season.

Julien’s plans are clear. The squad will have to be strengthened, but there won’t be much room to maneuver, mainly because of the limited wage budget. Only Jason Tré’s contract is expiring, but the club won’t be renewing with him—there’s no place for sentimentality. For the first time, only rational decisions will be considered. The club must part ways with anyone it cannot rely on. The core will definitely stay, Julien was mostly dissatisfied with the flanks. The attacking play needs to be more precise and fluid. 

It's probably worth taking a look at how Julien has developed over the last 2 years.

See you next time with some family drama!

The Slightest of Margins

Fight Against Relegation

The two weeks of Christmas break offered Julien a much-needed chance to catch his breath. After months of tension, hard-fought matches, and relentless pressure, he was finally able to spend time with family, relax, and recharge. Julien made a conscious effort to step away from football for a while—sharing holiday meals, taking long walks with his family, enjoying quiet festive moments, and reconnecting with old friends. As the break came to an end, he felt restored, energized, and hopeful about the challenges awaiting in the second half of the season.

January 2027

QRM’s return from the winter break came against league leaders Le Havre, and it proved to be another stern test for Julien’s side. Le Havre dominated the game from start to finish, controlling possession, creating chance after chance, and forcing QRM to spend most of the match on their own half. Despite some moments of resistance, QRM struggled to get a foothold, mustering only seven shots and rarely threatening the opposition goal. Two well-worked strikes from I. Soumaré sealed a comfortable win for the hosts. The result leaves QRM still searching for form and answers as the fight for survival resumes.

QRM’s clash with Amiens saw both teams struggle to break each other down, resulting in a tense 0-0 draw. It was a game of missed opportunities and frustration; the sides finished level on shots and expected goals, but Amiens enjoyed much more possession and posed the greater threat in front of goal. QRM defended resolutely, but with only one shot on target, Julien’s men rarely looked like snatching all three points. As the whistle blew, it felt like a valuable point in a relegation fight, but also another sign of the attacking issues that persist for the team this season.

Our first win of the season came against Rodez, and looking back now, it’s clear just how big an achievement that was—Rodez currently sit in eighth place, proving themselves as one of the division’s most consistent performers. This time, things were very different: Rodez dominated the match, controlling possession, piling on the pressure, and eventually running out comfortable 3-1 winners. QRM took an early lead with a Bokangu goal but couldn’t contain Rodez’s swift attacking play.

The matchup against Le Mans was a true relegation six-pointer, with QRM sitting in 15th and Le Mans in 17th ahead of kickoff. After a heavy loss in the autumn fixture, Julien’s side arrived determined to show fight and secure vital points. Despite conceding first, QRM responded brilliantly—Anani and Tebily both struck back within minutes, and Anani added a second soon after to give the hosts a comfortable lead. It was an open, intensely contested battle, but QRM managed the pressure and saw out a 3-1 win. The victory delivered a real boost in the fight for survival.

January tested Julien’s patience and resolve. After the winter break, he watched his team struggle to keep pace with Le Havre—league leaders who seemed to play at a different level. The goalless draw against Amiens was tedious and left him frustrated; QRM defended well but posed no real attacking threat, a problem that lingered in his thoughts. The defeat to Rodez, now a top-eight side, reminded Julien of how much ground his team needed to make up. But the win against Le Mans rekindled some hope: in a direct relegation battle, QRM found the courage to step up. Julien knows survival will require many more nights like that, but for now, the fight is still on.

At the end of January 14th QRM on 17 points, 15th Dunkerque (17), 16th Red Star (16), 17th Le Mans (12) 18th Orléans (7)

No players arrived or left in the January window, but QRM managed to sign Jussef Nasrawe on a free from Bayern II (he played 2 games for the first team) for he next season.

February 2027

Pau sat tenth in the table, making this another uphill battle for QRM. Despite matching Pau for shots and crafting several decent chances, Julien’s side never managed to assert themselves—possession was heavily in Pau’s favour, and the hosts dictated much of the match. QRM showed flashes of attacking intent, but crucially lacked the cutting edge. Goals on either side of halftime sealed a comfortable 2-0 win for Pau, and Julien was left reflecting on what it takes to compete with strong, stable sides in Ligue 2. 

Reims were locked in the battle for the playoff places, and their quality shone through against QRM. From the first whistle, Reims dominated both possession and territory, rarely letting Julien’s side settle on the ball and creating a constant stream of chances. Two first-half goals put the visitors firmly in control, QRM unable to respond until Leborgne finally pulled one back late in the game. Yet with only eight shots and little time on the ball, QRM spent most of the match defending.

Against ninth-placed Laval, QRM didn't have much possession but created the more dangerous chances. QRM produced twice as many shots on target and a higher expected goals tally. Julien’s team looked sharper on the break, and for long stretches seemed more likely to nick the win. Yet, neither side could find the breakthrough, the match ending goalless.

Angers took control from the start as expected, wielding nearly seventy percent possession and generating wave after wave of attacks. QRM, to their credit, managed to keep the score close for most of the match, with Tebily’s goal sparking hope of a comeback. But Angers proved too strong, their playmakers carving open QRM’s defense and creating high-quality chances throughout. The visitors finished with 25 shots.

The relegation battle at the end of February: 14th Dunkerque (21), 15th QRM (18), 16th Red Star (17), 17th Le Mans (12), 18th Orléans (10)

February proved just how fierce the relegation battle has become. QRM fought hard but struggled for points, picking up only a draw amidst three defeats. As the month closed, Le Mans and Orléans were lagging behind but not yet out of sight.

March 2027

Another crucial relegation clash arrived for QRM. Anani missed a penalty but showed true character by making amends with the opening goal moments later. Lelong-Chéritien’s strike—his first ever for the club—doubled the lead in stoppage time, giving QRM breathing room even as Red Star snatched a late consolation. Simultaneously, Orléans managed a surprise win over Dunkerque in another bottom-of-the-table contest,

Sanasi Sy’s sending off in the fourth minute put QRM in a very difficult position from the outset. Down a man, the team found themselves under constant pressure, conceding two goals in the first half. Yet despite tough odds, QRM rallied after the break—attacking for much of the second half and even pulled one back through Anani. QRM went for an equalizer towards the end, but the hope was over as Guingamp’s third goal sealed the win and left QRM empty-handed. In this round, of all the teams battling to escape relegation, only Dunkerque managed to pick up points with their win over Bastia.

This match at Stade des Alps was a deeply emotional moment for Julien. It was his first encounter as an opposing manager in a stadium where he had lived so many memories. The Grenoble supporters welcomed him with enthusiastic chants—“Gauthier, Gauthier!” echoing through the ground—a moving tribute that reminded him of his special connection with the club and its fans. On the pitch, QRM fought bravely, even generating plenty of corners and shots on target despite limited possession, but ultimately fell short. For Julien, the result was bittersweet, but the crowd’s warmth marked a memory he’ll carry far beyond the final score.

At the end of the month 14th Dunkerque (27), 15. QRM (21), 16th Red Star (18), 17th Orléans (14), 18th Le Mans (12)

March offered no easy answers for QRM. A vital win at Red Star lifted spirits and provided some breathing room in the standings, but it couldn’t hide the ongoing struggle—two more defeats quickly followed, each one tightening the pressure at the bottom. Every game felt like a must-win, and the race to avoid relegation only grew fiercer: Dunkerque remain just in reach on 27 points.

April 2027

QRM rose to the occasion in yet another relegation showdown, this time against Orléans. Despite being behind on possession and conceding the first goal, Julien’s team fought back—the equalizer came from an own goal before halftime, Schulz and Anani fired the team ahead, early in the second half and a Giraudon own goal wrapped up a crucial victory. The performance showed real character, with QRM making the most of their chances and asserting themselves at the right moments.

The trip to Bastia looked like a real opportunity for QRM—a winnable match, given they’d already beaten Bastia 2-1 at home in the autumn, and the hosts, down in 13th, weren’t far from the relegation fight themselves. But from the start, Bastia imposed themselves, dictating play and limiting QRM’s chances. With over 70% possession and relentless pressure, Bastia struck in both halves, leaving QRM without a way back. Julien will feel disappointed, knowing this was one of those fixtures that could have boosted survival hopes.

Montpellier, fighting for a promotion playoff spot, were always favorites coming into this game—and the match played out true to form. QRM struggled to create chances, registering just two shots on target with a worryingly low xG, while the visitors controlled possession and dictated the tempo from start to finish. A single goal was enough for Montpellier, who never looked like surrendering their lead.

Last autumn, Dunkerque walked away with all three points from Stade Robert Diochon—a result that nearly tipped QRM into crisis mode. This time, away from home and facing a must-not-lose scenario, Julien’s squad showed true determination. Tebily struck early after a Bokangu assist, and while Dunkerque were and while Dunkerque, QRM held on for a narrow but precious 1-0 victory.

With two matches remaining, it became certain that QRM would at least finish in a relegation playoff position. At this point, the club offered Julien a contract extension. I spent a lot of time thinking about how the story should continue—there were still two very strong opponents left and survival was far from guaranteed. Even if the team stayed up, the next season would likely be even tougher. In the end, looking back on Julien’s playing career, I felt it would be true to his character to accept the offer. His salary will increase from £2,100 to £2,500 per week, and the new contract runs until 2029.

Caen arrived having already secured their place in the promotion playoffs, but that didn’t mean they went easy on QRM. Julien’s side were on the back foot for most of the match, seeing little of the ball and struggling to create real chances. Even so, they battled hard and struck first—Slama putting QRM ahead against the run of play. The lead wouldn’t last, though—Caen’s class showed as they pressed forward and found an equalizer just after the break. In the end, both teams had to settle for a share of the points,

By the end of April, Orléans and Le Mans were relegated, Dunkerque survieved. The only open question was the relegation playoff spot. 15th QRM (28), 16th Red Star (27).

With only one game to go it was all down to the last round.

May 2027

Troyes had already secured second place and automatic promotion before the final round, so QRM fans were hoping the visitors might take things lightly. But there were no favors given—Troyes played with focus and discipline, shutting down QRM’s attacks and capitalizing on one of their few clear chances. A  lone first-half goal was enough for Troyes to claim all three points.

Red Star also lost at home against Guingamp, so the 15th place was decided by a single point.

Quevilly-Rouen therefore remained in the second division. Grenoble lost to Lorient in the promotion playoff final. Le Havre and Troyes were promoted, while Le Mans and Orleans were relegated. Red Star still has one relegation playoff final to play against Sochaux.

AS Saint-Étienne and Clermont were relegated from Ligue 1.

 Rouen and Nancy were promoted from the National.

QRM has just come through a very difficult season. In fact, they owed their survival mainly to the fact that Le Mans and Orleans were extremely weak. Nancy will certainly represent a much stronger challenge, so the 2027/28 season will definitely be even tougher - especially considering that in the spring, QRM only managed to beat their direct rivals. 

See you next time with formations used, player stats, and a summary of the season from a different perspective.

A Tough Season

Hopes Are More Than Alive At The Winter Break

On the opening day of the season, QRM lined up against Julien’s boyhood club, Le Havre—a truly special fixture to kick off life in Ligue 2. The match proved to be a tough test for Julien’s newly assembled side, as Le Havre dominated possession and created far more chances throughout the ninety minutes.

Despite being under pressure for much of the game, QRM showed plenty of discipline and fighting spirit in front of their home fans. In the end, a single goal just before half-time was enough for Le Havre to take all three points, but given how much their opponents controlled the game, the narrow scoreline was something of a relief for Julien’s team.

In their second outing of the season, QRM travelled to Troyes and once again found themselves up against a well-organised and dominant side. The hosts enjoyed most of the ball and set the tempo from the start, keeping QRM under pressure for long periods. Despite a few promising moments on the counter, Julien’s team struggled to seriously threaten Troyes. Two first-half goals put the result beyond doubt, and for QRM, it was another lesson in just how challenging life in Ligue 2 can be against experienced opposition.

Amiens had also started the season with two defeats, so both teams came into the match desperate to get their campaign up and running. The game quickly turned into an open contest, with QRM showing far more attacking intent and resilience than in previous outings. Julien’s side came from behind thanks to a brace from Achille Anani, and for long spells looked capable of taking points away from a fellow struggler. Ultimately, two late goals meant QRM left empty-handed, but the improved performance was a positive sign—and proof that they were beginning to adapt to the demands of Ligue 2.

Next up were Rodez, sitting on three points after only managing a win against Dunkerque, who were bottom of the table. QRM approached the game knowing it was a real opportunity to put points on the board—both teams had something to prove. It turned out to be a hard-fought contest, with chances at both ends and neither side able to take control. But in the closing stages, Achille Anani struck what proved to be the winner, sending Julien’s side and the home fans into celebration. It was QRM’s first victory of the season—a reward for their resilience and growing belief as the month progressed.

Next up was Le Mans, also on three points and sitting 14th in the table. What made this defeat especially painful for QRM was not just the scoreline, but the loss of their first-choice left back—Sanasi Sy—who picked up an injury that will sideline him for nine weeks. Julien’s side managed to threaten going forward, but struggled to turn possession into real chances. Le Mans were ruthless in taking their opportunities, and QRM left with not just a heavy defeat but an important gap in their starting lineup to fill for the weeks ahead.

Then came Pau, a match in which QRM were on the back foot from the very beginning. Julien’s side struggled to get hold of the ball and spent most of the game defending deep in their own half. There were brief moments of resistance, but Pau were in control, and the scoreline reflected the dominance of the visitors. For QRM, it was an afternoon spent chasing the game, unable to impose themselves at any stage.

After a gruelling August, Julien must be feeling a mix of frustration and determination. The tough run of results—just one win from six games—has reminded him how difficult life will be in Ligue 2, and the late goals, injuries, and stretches of defensive pressure have all tested his resolve. Yet amid the disappointment, there are signs of progress—moments of fight, glimpses of attacking promise, and the sense that QRM are slowly adapting to the higher level. For Julien, it’s a challenging start but not one without hope. The early setbacks have made him even more committed to building unity and confidence within his squad, knowing that the road ahead will demand patience and persistence from everyone involved.

 

September 2026

 

Next up was Reims, sitting second in the table and widely expected to dominate proceedings. Against such strong opposition, QRM put in an organised and disciplined display, frustrating the hosts for much of the match. Achille Anani even gave Julien’s side a shock lead early in the second half, raising hopes of a surprise upset. However, Reims’ relentless pressure finally paid off with two late goals, snatching victory in the closing moments. For QRM, it was a hard defeat to swallow, but they came close to pulling off a memorable result against one of the league’s best.

QRM were forced into several changes for the clash with Laval, as three key players missed out due to U23 international duty. The timing couldn’t have been worse, but there was a silver lining: just before kickoff, Enzo Genton arrived on loan from Lorient, adding some much-needed depth to the back line. Despite the disruptions, QRM produced an entertaining, end-to-end contest. Achille Anani kept up his scoring form with two goals, and there were real attacking flashes, but the visitors ultimately edged a seven-goal thriller. The squad’s character showed, but the absences and constant changes made the task that much harder.

Angers, sitting 11th in the table, came into the fixture having lost their last four matches—just like QRM. With both sides eager to put their poor run of form behind them, the match had the feeling of a crucial turning point. On the pitch, QRM defended resolutely and held on for a hard-earned draw, their first clean sheet in weeks. For Julien, the result was welcome relief after a series of tough outings, and offered some hope that his side might finally be stabilising.

After nine rounds of Ligue 2 action, QRM find themselves in 16th place out of 18 teams—a situation that speaks to the many battles and narrow defeats the squad has endured so far. The team has shown flashes of quality and determination, but has struggled for consistency and points, missed opportunities often shaping the story of their campaign. For Julien, the challenge is clear: steadying the ship and building confidence before the pressure of a relegation fight becomes overwhelming. There’s been progress in some areas—particularly in defensive organisation—but QRM know that simply surviving in this tough division will demand more resolve and improvement in the weeks to come.

October 2026

Next up were Red Star, 15th in the table, in a game that had no shortage of drama. QRM raced into a strong lead with early goals, but the turning point came when Anani was sent off in the 76th minute for handling the ball on the goal line. The resulting penalty, however, was missed, and Red Star could only manage to reduce the deficit late on. Despite being down to ten men and facing a tense finish, Julien’s side held firm to secure all three points. The win brought much-needed relief and showed QRM’s resilience, even when events threatened to turn against them.

After this game QRM are in 15th on 7pts, followed by Dunkerque (7), Red Star (5) and Orleans (3)

Despite QRM taking the lead early on, Guingamp quickly regrouped and took control of the game, gradually pulling away to secure a convincing win. None of the bottom four teams managed to pick up a point this weekend.

Grenoble was the next opponent—a fixture with a personal touch for Julien, whose prior chapters and memories are closely linked to the club. Facing them always brings a wave of nostalgia, making the defeat sting that much more. QRM battled hard, but ultimately came up short as Grenoble dominated much of the match and snatched the winner ten minutes from time. Once again, none of the bottom four teams managed to secure a point in this round.

QRM faced bottom-of-the-table Orléans in a match that offered hope of vital points against direct relegation rivals. Julien’s side seized the moment, showing attacking intent and clinical finishing to earn a precious victory. Goals from Sy and Anani helped secure the three points and a little breathing space in the battle at the bottom. After gameweek 13, the league table reads: 14th QRM (10 points), 15th Le Mans (9), 16th Red Star (8), 17th Dunkerque (7), 18th Orléans (3).

Despite picking up valuable points, QRM’s position in the table continues to demand caution; every victory feels vital, but the threat from below remains real. Julien’s team are slowly showing signs of grit and improvement, yet it remains clear: each round is a new test, and just staying out of the bottom four will require resilience and discipline all season long.

November 2026

Up next was Bastia, who sat just ahead of QRM in 14th place with three points separating the sides. Both teams knew a win would offer valuable breathing room in the fight to stay above the drop zone. Julien’s men rose to the occasion, controlling much of the match and earning a deserved victory thanks to early goals from Slama and Tebily. Bastia threatened a comeback, but QRM held their nerve to seal a crucial three points—a result that could prove pivotal in this tightly contested bottom half of the Ligue 2 table. 13th Bastia on 13 points, 14th QRM (13), 15th Red Star (11), 16th Le Mans (9), 17th Dunkerque (7), 18th Orléans (3).

QRM’s trip to Montpellier ended with the expected result, as the home side edged a tight contest by a single goal. Julien’s team put up a respectable fight, managing to keep the scoreline close and creating a few chances of their own, but ultimately couldn’t find the breakthrough. Montpellier’s experience showed, and QRM left empty-handed. 13th Bastia on 16 points, 14th QRM (13), 15th Red Star (12), 16th Le Mans (9), 17th Dunkerque (7), 18th Orléans (3).

In the cup, QRM were paired with two amateur sides: GC Lucciana and AS Saint-Jacques Foot. Both matches provided Julien’s team with the perfect opportunity to rotate the squad and give valuable minutes to the whole group. QRM approached the ties with professionalism and hunger, dominating the games from start to finish. The attacking players enjoyed plenty of space and chances, resulting in convincing victories that saw multiple names on the scoresheet. These outings helped strengthen confidence and morale at an important point in the season.

The relief of cup wins and vital league points has lifted some weight off Julien's shoulders, but he knows just how fragile momentum can be in football. The narrow losses and constant pressure of the relegation battle keep him grounded, always aware that complacency is a luxury QRM cannot afford. Still, November has given Julien renewed energy. He’s proud of the team’s fighting spirit and growing unity, recognising that small victories—whether in the league or the cup—can play a huge role in boosting confidence. The challenge ahead remains, but  there are genuine reasons to believe.

December 2026

Up next was Dunkerque—a direct rival in the relegation battle.. For much of the match, it looked as though QRM were set to pull away from their pursuers, especially after taking the early lead. But in the second half, Dunkerque turned the tide. Despite QRM’s determination, the visitors gained control and scored two decisive goals to complete the turnaround. What could have been a statement win slipped away, and Julien’s side were left frustrated, knowing how close they came to putting some gap between themselves and the danger zone.

Next came AS Caen, themselves promoted just last season—via the playoff, no less. Unlike QRM, however, Caen have used their momentum to challenge for promotion again, and they showed their quality here. From the start, Caen were the more organised and dangerous side, dominating possession and creating more chances. QRM struggled to match their energy in the key moments, and the match slipped away after two goals early in the second half. 

December brought a dramatic cup night as QRM faced Ligue 1 side Lorient. Against all odds, Julien’s squad managed to hold their own, withstanding heavy pressure and limiting the hosts to just one goal from open play. QRM found their equaliser through Slama and, despite having far fewer chances, refused to back down. The match went the distance and was ultimately decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Even in defeat, QRM earned respect for pushing a top-flight team to the limit and showing resilience under immense pressure.

League Standings

The league table makes clear that QRM have not had a successful autumn—just 13 points and sitting in 15th place. Fortunately, there are a few teams performing even worse, which keeps the pressure at bay for now. Bastia and Amiens seem to be pulling away from the danger zone, so at present the bottom five teams—Red Star, QRM, Le Mans, Dunkerque, and Orléans—look most at risk. The numbers highlight QRM’s struggles: they have scored the fewest goals in the league. Just one poor run could plunge Julien and his side back into trouble.

Looking at the stats, Achille Anani stands out as QRM’s main goal threat, scoring 8 times from 16 appearances with an impressive tally of 44 shots and 7.32 expected goals. He keeps QRM alive. Te teams 2nd best goalscorer is Hermann Tebily with 3 goals.

Julien enters the winter break feeling a mix of cautious resolve and realism. While the autumn campaign hasn’t brought as many points as hoped—and several players are seeking departures due to limited playing time—he is determined not to make sweeping changes. Instead, his priority is to preserve stability and unity. Julien is committed to fighting for survival with this current squad, trusting that together they’ll have enough strength to secure Ligue 2 safety in the second half of the season.

See you next, at the end of the season!

Well... This is not an easy one. Good luck to Mr. Correa. Only those who have been down really know how good it is up there!

Summer 2026

First Proper Transfer Window

Before diving into the new season, let’s take a moment to look back at how the previous campaign finally concluded. As you may recall, when Julien was already deep into transfer business and contract negotiations, there was one important question left hanging in the league: promotion wasn’t yet completely decided, with AS Caen’s playoff fate hanging in the balance. By then, QRM’s  second-place finish—the highest in club history—had sealed their own rise. At the end Caen, managed to edge out Ligue 2’s 16th-placed Nancy thanks to away goals in the playoff. So, as Julien got to work shaping his squad for the new challenge, both Normandy rivals knew they would be facing each other in the second division next year.

Julien was buzzing with both excitement and anxiety about the task ahead—reinforcing the squad for life in Ligue 2, a league that’s a whole different world compared to what QRM had known. But his enthusiasm came with plenty of worries as well. As mentioned before, only four players still had contracts running for next season, which meant Julien faced a huge rebuilding job. There were a handful of footballers he genuinely wanted to keep, but as is often the case, the best ones saw their futures elsewhere. This isn’t the Premier League; here, if a club doesn’t extend your contract, your career might simply be over -this resulted in sleepless nights for him. Alongside his assistant Jonathan Rivierez and Director of Football Joan Miquel Tura, Julien spent long days and endless nights poring over statistics, scouting reports, and potential targets. Tough decisions had to be made—not only about who would be offered a new deal, but also about who wouldn’t be part of QRM’s journey moving forward.

This really has become Julien’s team now, so maybe it’s worth taking a look at how QRM’s squad is shaping up for next season. 

Goalkeepers

Pelle Boevink, the Dutch Goalkeeper arraived for £48.5k from 2. Bundesliga side Greuther Fürth. He played 17 games last season. He will be QRM's first choice goalie in the next season.

One of QRM's most important players of last season Ouparine Djoco will provide relaible backup for newly signed Boevink

If something completely unexpected happens, Julien can count on the only 20-year-old Eliot Boudet from the reserve squad as an emergency solution.

Compared to the resources available, the team did quite well signing Boevink. In my opinion, hu is a real reinforcement.  It’s important not to forget that this is QRM’s first season in the French second division, so the squad had to be built with survival in mind. The goal here is clearly not promotion anymore. 

Left Backs

Sanasi Sy has arrived from Concarneau (relegated from National last season). He will have to replace Namakaro Diallo, who Julien tried to keep with no success.

Alongside Sy, Jason Tré (who played 12 matches last season) can also be deployed, although he’s more comfortable on the right. However, there he’d have to compete with players who would limit his opportunities, so Julien remained uneasy about this position until the very last moment.

That’s why he brought in Lassana Traoré on loan for a year from his former club, St Étienne—Traoré hasn’t played a senior match yet, but at this point in the transfer window (he was the last signing of the summer), resources were already very tight. 

Right Backs

Julien’s very first signing as manager, Thibault Campanini—who arrived last summer—featured in every competitive match for the team last season. He will remain the undisputed first choice in this position this year as well. 

Behind him, Baptiste Etcheverria—who, like Sy, arrived from Concarneau—can be deployed as a right back.  He Arrived as a free agent after his contract expired.

Youssouf Kanouté is currently part of the squad—he made two substitute appearances last season, but he’ll likely be loaned out by QRM. 

If/when he leaves, Jason Tré will be our third choice in both left and right back.

Central Defenders

It’s a position that may seem short of depth at first glance, but that’s not necessarily the case, thanks to the fact that several players in the squad can be used in multiple roles. 

Cristian Dell'Orco, who joined on a free transfer from Serie C side Perugia , will clearly be the first-choice in this position. 

His partner in the heart of QRM's defence will be Philipp Schulz, who arrived form Mainz on a season long loan.

Yasser Baldé stayed from last season's squad.

For now, this is how the team looks in this position, but Campanini could fill in if needed. Julien would really like to bring someone in for this spot, though it’s unlikely to happen—unless he finds someone who could join on loan completely free. In the meantime, if there’s a real emergency and even Campanini can’t step in, 21-year-old Damien Janela could come up from the reserves, but he’s really only an option for one-off matches in a desperate situation.

Defensive Midfielders/Central Midfielders

Tony Njiké, who played as a central midfielder last season and contributed 7 goals and 5 assists in 30 league games, will likely move back a bit and play as a defensive midfielder this year. 

Jordan Leborgne, who played 31 matches in this position for the team last year, will still be here. Leborgne can also fill in as a right back if needed—say, when Campanini is used as a center back. 

26-year-old Darly N'Landu finished 6th in Ligue 2 last season with Guingamp and joined for £120,000. He will mainly play as a central midfielder. 

Wassim Slama, who recorded 4 goals and 3 assists in 23 matches last year, was successfully kept on loan for another season—again, completely free. 

Noah Gomes is still with QRM—he was promoted from the youth team last summer. In the previous season, he scored 1 goal in 13 matches. 

David Tessier, who is only 15 years old, will train with the senior squad but will play for the youth team. 

Wingers

First, let’s look at those who can play on both wings. 

Bakali joined last summer and recorded 1 goal and 4 assists in 17 matches in the previous season. 

The third player is Nicolas Mercier, who joined from Concarneau—a club relegated from the third division last year. He had 3 goals and 3 assists in 30 matches for the relegated team. 

Sylva scored 5 goals and provided 6 assists in 24 matches last year. He’s likely to get fewer opportunities this season. 

Gauthier’s most expensive signing, Hermann Tebily, arrived for £195,000 from Rodez, who finished 11th last season. Tebily is likely to be one of the first names on the teamsheet. 

Brandon Bakungu played for Nancy last season, a team that stayed up via the play-offs. After his contract expired, he joined QRM on a free transfer. 

Strikers

QRM's top scorer last season was Achille Anani, with 12 goals. 

Mvukana is Julien’s first discovery—he scored 1 goal in 11 matches last season. 

20-year-old Lelong-Chrétien was promoted from the reserve team. He’ll be available as an emergency striker.

With so many new faces arriving over the summer, the pre-season friendlies were about much more than results or tactics—they became all about building morale and forging a sense of unity in the squad. Julien understood that for a team thrown together by necessity, success would depend on more than technical ability; they needed trust, shared purpose, and belief in each other. Training sessions were filled with team-building exercises and honest conversations, while on the pitch, the friendlies gave everyone a chance to gel as a group. Wins and losses mattered less than the sparks of chemistry and the beginnings of friendships, as QRM laid the foundations for a competitive, cohesive team in Ligue 2.

As a result of these matches, the players gradually started to have more and more confidence in themselves and in each other.  It was needed, because the expectations beforehand made it clear—Quevilly-Rouen was unanimously considered one of the relegation candidates. 

There’s just one week left until the opening match of the Ligue 2 season, and Julien is counting down the days with a mixture of excitement and nerves. His journey is about to truly begin—from this moment, everything that came before feels like a prologue. For the first time in QRM’s history, the club will compete in the second division, and for Julien, everything he’s worked for will be put to the test. The schedule offers up both challenges and emotional reunions: among the opponents are Grenoble and Le Havre, two sides with special meaning for Julien’s story. He knows that in just a few days, everyone will finally see what kind of manager he really is. While anticipation builds in Petit Quevilly, and the squad sharpens their focus, Julien can’t help but feel that his life’s biggest chapter is only now getting underway.

It’s already clear that this season will be much tougher for QRM than the last. Ligue 2 is a big step up in quality and intensity, with every team fighting fiercely and no easy matches in sight. The opponents are stronger, the schedule is tighter, and there’s little room for error. Julien knows the challenges ahead will test his team’s resilience and his own skills as a manager. Last year’s success brought hope and excitement, but now the reality of surviving and thriving at a higher level is starting to set in. For QRM and Julien, the battle for points and respect will be harder than ever, and this campaign promises to be a real measure of what they’re made of.

See you next time in December 2026!

Life of a Manager

The Family in Julien's First Year
 

For Julien, the longest journey of his first season at QRM was rarely marked in kilometers. Each trip between Le Havre and Petit Quevilly was a test—a quiet, private battle against time and the relentless demands of ambition. The blue Peugeot 508, now so familiar, bore witness to countless half-glimpsed sunrises, tense phone calls, and the low murmur of his own doubts as he drove. He often left before daylight, the apartment hushed in sleep, careful not to disturb Laura, whose quiet support had become the foundation of his resolve.

This season forced Julien to live in fragments, sometimes more coach than husband, always torn between his team and his home. Laura’s presence comforted him even in absence—her patient messages, her deft handling of family life, her calm when the world felt like it would collapse after a defeat. Yet he saw more clearly than ever the toll it took: lonely evenings for Laura, missed dinners, moments with Camille and Louis lost to meetings or away matches. He was grateful for her strength, but guilt lingered—a shadow at the edge of every victory, every sacrifice. She forgave so much to let him pursue his dream, and he knew, on the bad days, just how much she was giving up.

Julien became skilled at re-entry: learning, after each long stretch away, how to fit himself back into the rhythms of home life. There were mornings when he returned to the warm chaos of family breakfast—coffee brewing, croissants fresh, Laura leaning against the counter with a soft smile—and the simple talk of schoolyard stories. Those moments were real and precious, reminders of everything football couldn’t replace. Still, the pressures of management hovered just beyond the dining room door. Julien found himself fighting not to let his worries spill over, not to talk only about formations and contracts, but about Laura’s days, the children’s little dramas, the ordinary things that shaped their lives together.

He missed more than he cared to admit. Some nights brought sharp reminders of what was at stake: the silences after an argument, the distance that grew when the strain became too much for either of them to bear in silence. Laura kept the home afloat—the errands, the routine, the reassuring presence for their children—but Julien saw how tired she was sometimes, how much she wished things were easier. He promised himself he’d do better, that next season would bring more balance, more listening, less taking her strength for granted.

Still, Julien found hope and renewal not in the stadium, but at those rare family gatherings where everyone felt whole. Laura’s laughter after promotion, Camille’s triumphs at school, Louis’s infectious energy—they were victories that matched anything football offered. And through it all, he understood his journey was not just about moving up a division, but about learning what it meant to keep love alive amid the chaos.

As the first season closed, Julien was changed. He carried the lessons of those long drives and hard weeks into every plan for the future. Laura remained at the heart of those plans, her patience and encouragement a quiet force behind his ambition. For Julien, success now meant more than wins —it meant never losing sight of the home waiting at the end of the road, and the woman whose strength had helped him travel so far.

Next time we'll really see how pre-season goes!

Aiming High

Much Better Than Expected

The family Christmas was truly wonderful this year—Camille, Louis, and Julien hung decorations together, swapped old stories, shared gifts, the smell of mulled wine brought real peace into the house for a change. Julien was genuinely happy to be with his loved ones, but he could only manage to relax for a day or two; his mind kept racing back to the QRM’s slump, always searching for solutions, pacing restlessly at night, replaying possible scenarios in his head.

January 2026 - Before it even started

Despite his best efforts, Julien was unable to extend the contracts of any of his expiring players—every negotiation stalled, as financial constraints and players’ ambitions got in the way. To make matters worse, Lenny Pirringuel, our influential 22-year-old central midfielder, became the symbol of what might be the next chapter for QRM. Known for his technical skill and his ability to drive the team with tireless work rate and flair, Pirringuel was central to many of our most promising attacks. Despite Julien’s persistent efforts, no contract extension could be agreed, and news broke that Lenny had signed a deal with Santa Clara in Portugal’s top division. Losing a player of his caliber and potential is a blow that will be felt well beyond the pitch. Luckily, he only leaves at the and of the season.

Julien knew the departure of Pirringuel would leave a significant void in QRM’s midfield, so he immediately began planning for the future. His strategy was to integrate Wassim Slama, the energetic and promising loanee from PSG, ever more into the squad’s rotation—hoping that the club could secure him for at least another season. Alongside Slama, Julien placed his faith in Noah Gomes, a talented youngster promoted from the academy to the senior team over the summer. Gomes, with his intelligence and technical skills, was seen not only as a solution for the immediate future but as a potential cornerstone for the next generation of QRM. The transitional period would be a challenge, but Julien was determined to blend experience and youth, ensuring that the team’s identity remained strong through change.

He was determined to inject more goal-scoring threat into his team—but with the club’s finances restricting any potential transfers, he had to look for solutions within his own squad. Recognizing the versatility and finishing ability of Achille Anani, who had been the team’s top scorer in the autumn as a central striker, he made the bold decision to move Anani to the right wing. This tactical shift allowed Julien to deploy Kembo Diliwidi, a dynamic young winger with natural striker instincts, in the central forward role. The hope was that Diliwidi’s pace and movement up front, combined with Anani’s experience and goal threat from wide, would create a more unpredictable and potent attack—even without the luxury of new signings.

January 2026 - Getting better

The new year offered a glimmer of hope, with Julien returning to training energized by memories of a joyful family Christmas. Soon enough, his mind was dominated by tactical questions, selection headaches and dreams of rescuing QRM’s faltering form. The Villefranche match seemed a perfect start—Anani’s early goal gave the team confidence, but they couldn’t hold out for the win, settling for a frustrating 1–1 draw that felt like two points dropped rather than one gained.

Dijon brought defensive solidity but little attacking spark, ending in a goalless stalemate. At Concarneau, however, the team finally found their stride, controlling the match and securing a much-needed 1–0 away win through Sylva’s goal. Julien praised his defenders in the press and privately congratulated the squad for their focus, feeling that the team’s spirit was returning after a difficult winter—though he knew how fragile confidence could be in football.

February 2026 - Dreaming Again

February kicked off in style as QRM showed intensity and purpose, dispatching Sochaux 2–0 with goals from Sylva and Njiké. The tactical tweaks Julien introduced paid off, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to believe that the worst was behind them. The match at Paris 13 Atlético proved to be a rollercoaster, but QRM’s attacking flair came through in a thrilling 3–2 win, lifting the side back into contention in the top three and earning admiration from fans and pundits alike.

Still, not every week brought joy. The home fixture against Rouen saw Samoura score early but a lack of concentration cost the team a win, with the match finishing 1–1. Aubagne away followed a similar script—Anani netted, but QRM’s inability to kill off games saw another draw. Julien’s post-match notes grew longer and more analytical as he searched for ways to turn single points into threes.

March 2026 - Still in the mix

March began with renewed optimism as QRM overwhelmed Le Puy, dominating possession and creativity to seal a 3–0 home win. Diliwidi and Anani spearheaded a display that showcased the squad’s quality, with Julien’s confidence visibly growing on the touchline. By mid-month, at Châteauroux, QRM fought to a hard-earned 1–1 draw, Diliwidi once again proving dangerous in front of goal.

The Bourg-Péronnas match was a cagey affair, but Sylva headed in the decisive goal to secure another satisfying 1–0. Yet football refuses to be predictable: Stade Briochin handed QRM a frustrating 1–0 defeat away, halting their momentum. Julien spent long hours reviewing footage, feeling pride despite the lost game, as his team went unbeaten for almost 3 months.

April 2026 - Wins Against The Big Boys

At the beinning of April Orléans were 1st, Quevilly-Rouen 2nd and Caen 3rd. 

Orléans at home saw QRM’s attacking rhythm return, Njiké and Sylva starring in a comprehensive 3–0 victory. The chemistry Julien had worked so hard to encourage in training finally showed itself on the pitch, with quick passing and energetic pressing. The trip to Caen was a stern test, but Diliwidi’s clinical finishing delivered a crucial 2–1 win, strengthening QRM’s case for a top finish.

At this point Julien's side were sitting top of the table, followed by Orléans and Caen.

In the month’s closing match against Versailles, despite Diliwidi’s late goal, defensive lapses led to a 1–2 defeat. Julien closed out April feeling the weight of every point lost and gained, aware that the final stretch of the season would demand max focus—from himself as much as from his players.

Orléans back on top, QRM 2nd, Caen 3rd.

May 2026 - Job Done

Valenciennes away delivered high drama: Anani’s two goals rescued a 2–2 draw in a match that swung both ways. Back in front of their home crowd, QRM edged Villefranche with the help of an own goal and a 93rd minute goal from Noah Gomes.

With the 2–1 home victory over Villefranche, QRM mathematically secured second place and clinched promotion—an achievement that instantly lifted the weight of an entire season off Julien’s shoulders. As the final whistle blew, he let out a rare, unguarded smile, overcome by both pride and relief. All the late nights, the tactical rethinks, and the faith placed in his reshuffled squad were rewarded in that moment. For Julien, the promotion wasn’t just about moving up a division; it was about proving to himself and to the club that perseverance and adaptability truly pay off. The celebratory hugs and chants from the stands made him feel, finally, that he belonged.

The final game against Fleury was all about composure and unity. Campanini and Mvukana found the net, sealing a comfortable 2–0 win to close the campaign on a high note. Orléans also won, so QRM finished 2nd.

The statistics reveal just how crucial certain players were to QRM’s promotion push. Achille Anani finished the season as top scorer with 13 goals in 33 appearances, taking nearly 100 shots—his potency in front of goal was unmatched. Tony Njiké contributed an impressive 8 goals from midfield with consistent attacking output, while young Kembo Diliwidi stepped up in the spring, netting 10 times in 29 matches(of which he only started 10). Wassim Slama, Kapokyeng Sylva, and Ibrahima Samoura added valuable goals and attacking drive, sharing responsibility across the team. The defense and midfield, from Campanini’s reliability to Djoco’s steady presence in goal, held the team together in tight matches. Most notably, the balance between experienced leaders and emerging young talent like Slama and Gomes was vital for QRM’s sustained momentum and ultimate success.

To be honest, the season isn’t quite over yet—Caen still have a playoff to play—but there’s no time to wait. QRM only has four players under contract for next year, which means Julien's off-season has to start immediately. The board did their bit, raising the wage budget by £17,000 and giving him £875,000 for new signings. Luckily, besides Pirringuel’s confirmed move, no one else has left (so far).

Truthfully, as we approached the finish line, I actually found myself hoping QRM wouldn’t get promoted—this squad looks anything but ready for Ligue 2 football. I still couldn’t figure out how the final run-in was so smooth... until I took another look at our opponents. Out of the teams in National, only seven are professional: two (Dijon and Concarneau) went down, three finished in the top three (Orléans, QRM, Caen), and Sochaux and Valenciennes landed in mid-table. The rest are semi-professionals, which meant Julien's QRM side were dark horses for promotion all along—even if it rarely felt that way at the beginning.

The next chapter will reveal what kind of manager Julien really is, as the summer break finally gives him a chance to shape QRM in his own image. It’s a rare opportunity in a turbulent profession—one where he can impose his identity and philosophy on a squad truly of his choosing. Yet as rumors swirl and the coaching carousel spins—Grenoble, having finished 7th in Ligue 2, have just sacked their manager, while Le Havre have relegated from the top flight…

See you next with the beginning of season 2026/27

Wow, this is going to be hard to read 🙂... As someone from Pécs, I've never really been a fan of the teams from Budapest. Still, no matter who knocks Fradi off the top, I'll be really happy. 

Best of luck!

Winter Is Coming

Whatever I said earlier, I just can't seem to stop. No matter what, if the whole season goes on like this, I'll have a heart attack instead of Julien. We're on a real rollercoaster, which seems to have taken us to incredible heights, but now, although at first glance we’re still high up, in reality we’re plunging unstoppably into the depths. 

August brought two more wins:

Julien Gauthier’s side started strong—with a convincing 2–0 victory over Concarneau, followed by an impressive 2–1 away win at Sochaux.

Match Of The Moth:

Sochaux, one of the French third division’s strongest sides, were stunned by Quevilly Rouen, who showed outstanding resolve in a real test of fighting spirit. Despite falling behind early, Quevilly Rouen turned the match around with goals from Samoura and Njiké, and outperformed Sochaux in decisiveness—6 shots on target to Sochaux’s 2, even though possession and total shots were almost identical. This hard-fought 2-1 win proved Quevilly Rouen’s ability to compete with the best under pressure, passing their biggest exam of grit this season.

With this result, Gauthier’s team stood at the top of the table with a perfect record after four matches. Only Caen were able to keep pace. The performance of QRM—a team mostly made up of young players—surprised everyone. Perhaps even the fans at Stade Robert Diochon, could hardly believe their eyes seeing the team’s outstanding run.

On the last day of the transfer window, QRM was approached by the agent of 16-year-old Wassim Sloma. Julien hadn’t planned any more signings, but PSG’s youngster had great abilities, could play in multiple positions, and was signed completely free on loan until the end of the season.

September – flying high… then the setback

QRM seemed to keep soaring under Julien’s guidance. The match against Paris 13 was originally scheduled for early September, but with four of our key players (including first-choice goalkeeper Djoco) called up for international duty, we opted to postpone it. In hindsight, that was a decision to regret. When the match finally took place, Paris 13 Atlético outclassed us—we suffered a heavy defeat and reality hit hard.

For Julien, these moments highlighted the unpredictability of football, and reminded him of his own days as a player—when a single injury could flip a season upside down. After the Paris 13 defeat, he spent a rare quiet evening with his family, seeking warmth and perspective in his daughter Camille's laughter and the playful scolding of little Louis. Football can bruise egos, but family brings healing.

Match Of The Month

This match carried extra significance for everyone involved, as both teams play their home games at the same stadium, turning the contest into a true city derby. QRM dominated the encounter, registering 21 shots and 7 on target compared to just 8 and 2 for FCR, and forced 11 corners. Despite nearly even possession, QRM’s attacking intent paid off early, with Njiké scoring the decisive goal in the 15th minute. The victory not only gave QRM bragging rights in the city but showcased their strength in one of the season’s most emotionally charged fixtures. QRM maintained their perfect record, while Rouen remained at the very bottom of the league table.

October – a rollercoaster month

We drew 1–1 at home to Châteauroux, then snatched a dramatic last-minute win at Bourg-Péronnas—Bakali striking in the 91st minute. A confident 2–1 display followed against Stade Briochin, followed by a resounding 4–0 Coupe de France win over AS Berck, our attacking play in full flow. But joy turned to frustration with a narrow 0–1 loss to Orléans—a match that could have put us top.

Match Of The Month:

This clash between league leaders Orléans and second-placed QRM lived up to its billing as a top-of-the-table battle. Orléans edged the narrow victory thanks to Sylla’s first-half goal, holding off QRM’s persistent attacks—QRM fired 17 shots, 7 on target, but couldn’t find an equalizer. Orléans’ superior possession and set piece threat ensured they stayed at the summit of the division, but QRM remained hot on their heels in second place after a closely contested match.

It was after the Orléans match that Julien confided to his assistant: “Results matter, but it’s nights like these when you learn who you really are.” It was a hard-fought battle, but the Quevilly players left the pitch with their heads held high.

November – cup action and loss of form

A home draw with Caen (2–2) was followed by an easy 3–0 cup win at non-league side Frontignan, but then came the real setback—a harsh 2–5 defeat against Caen at the end of the month, brutally exposing our defensive weaknesses.

By this point, it was clear that the squad was very short—Julien had basically relied on just 15 players up until mid-October. Here, however, he had no choice but to change the team around, and those who came in for the usual starters rarely managed to make a lasting impact.

Match Of The Month

This match turned into a high-scoring spectacle between Caen and QRM, highlighting both teams’ attacking intent. Despite QRM matching Caen in shots and expected goals, Caen’s dominance in possession and clinical finishing—especially from Botella, who scored a hat-trick—proved decisive. QRM managed to equalize quickly after falling behind, but struggled to keep pace as Caen pulled away in the second half. Ultimately, Caen’s 5-2 win showed their class and depth, while QRM’s effort and resilience couldn’t quite overcome the home side’s superiority.

With this, the 8th round also marked QRM's exit from the cup.

Defeat stung, but it also brought memories of previous battles—Julien knew the pain of falling short, but also the value of starting again.

December – losing control

A 0–1 loss away to Versailles and a 1–1 home draw with Valenciennes made it clear: our early-season performances kept us in the race. We are still in a good position in the league, but our current form was deeply concerning.

Match Of The Month

QRM dominated the match statistically, firing 20 shots and generating a much higher xG than their opponents, but failed to turn their advantage into victory. After conceding early, they pushed relentlessly and finally found the equalizer late on through Sylva. Both sides finished with five shots on target and nearly equal possession, yet QRM will feel frustrated not to claim all three points, given their attacking control and pressure throughout the game. The draw keeps them in contention, but highlights the need for greater efficiency in front of goal.

Julien’s diary entry from the break summed it up: “Every year, football teaches humility. This winter, more than ever, I’ll need to learn and adapt.”

On the surface, the league table looks excellent. The reality, however, is that it’s important not to forget: we started the year with six straight wins, but in the nine matches since then, our record is only two wins, four draws, and three losses.

Given the team’s recent form, Julien could hardly be satisfied. Results were slipping, and with each match he felt the weight of expectation grow heavier on his shoulders. Even his trademark calm was tested before the winter break, as sleepless nights turned into restless team meetings and long drives home from the stadium—always replaying in his mind what he could change, how to reignite belief.

The first half of the season saw Achille Anani emerge as the team’s top scorer, netting 8 goals in 17 appearances from 61 shots—a true talisman up front. Tony Njiké followed with 6 vital goals from midfield, constantly driving the team forward. Ibrahima Samoura contributed 4 goals and significant attacking threat with 44 shots. Kembo Diliwidi proved to be a super-sub, scoring 3 times in 14 appearances, most of them from the bench. Lenny Pirringuel and Jonathan Bakali added depth with 3 and 2 goals respectively. Thibault Campanini provided consistency at the back with 18 appearances. 

Julien felt that reinforcements were needed, but it didn’t seem realistic. Before the January transfer window, it would have been ideal to extend the contracts of at least the key players, but that too was a tough challenge. The club had already slightly overspent on wages, and there was almost zero budget available for signings.

Coaching transformed Julien’s life in ways he never anticipated. On the pitch, success was no longer only about his own performance, but about balancing 25 unique personalities, motivations, and stories. Many nights he stayed late at the training ground, taking notes, analyzing videos, or wandering alone around the stadium, reflecting on how to help his young players grow and pull through tough periods. The joy of each victory ran deeper than before; the sting of defeat lingered longer, knowing all responsibility fell on his shoulders.

Julien grew a lot these months. He learned to make tough decisions, communicate effectively with both his players and staff, and keep the team united through setbacks. He often took the team’s mistakes as his own, but as weeks passed, he realized patience and empathy were just as vital as tactical insight. He developed his own leadership style—blending French creativity and resilience, German precision, and English determination. Every day taught him something new, from subtle tactical shifts to how he could be a role model for his squad in difficult moments. This half-year made him not only a stronger coach, but also a more confident person.

And now, as I see, I have a whole lot of reading to catch up on.

See you next at the end of  the season!

Thanks a lot!

Honestly I never thought about that, as it was never a real FM story. 0 minute of gameplay… I was happy to see people were actually reading it 🙂

But now I will really slow down and enjoy the game a bit, and come back with the next one when there's something to tell!

You're probably right. I'll come back when it's actually woth. 1 post every other week would mostly be match analysis and commentary rather than actual storytelling.

That's a great start to the season! Good job in the transfer market as well, considering all the difficulties you mentioned. It seems like this can be Correa's year.

Remarkable Start

Gameweek 1 & 2

The opening day against Dijon was unforgettable—not just for Julien, but for his entire family. Laura, Camille, and Louis were there in the stands, feeling the same electric anticipation that had kept Julien awake the night before. He couldn’t stop thinking about his starting lineup, but in the end, he trusted his instincts:the eleven he wrote in his notebook the day before took on the field.

Quevilly Rouen Métropole kicked off the 2025/26 campaign in style with a 4-0 win over Dijon FCO—Julien Gauthier’s first match in charge and Talamaku Mvukana’s debut. QRM took the lead after a penalty converted by Anani, then doubled it through Njiké before halftime. Early in the second half, Njiké added another, volleying home after Mvukana’s effort. Substitute Gomes finished things off, teeing up Pirringuel for the fourth. QRM’s control and clinical finishing told the story; Julien, restless on the touchline, finally relaxed only once the third goal was scored—a statement start to his tenure.

Julien made just one change for his second league match, bringing Da Costa into the lineup—and it paid off instantly. Da Costa scored brilliantly for the opener, then set up Samoura for a header. Just before half time Anani made it 3-0.. The second half was a quieter affair, with QRM absorbing pressure and seeing out a disciplined win. The stats and scoreline told the story: clinical finishing, smart defending, and a second statement victory to start the season.
 

By the final whistle in Fleury, Julien felt his nerves finally settle—Laura and the kids noticed the change, too. He knew it was far too early to look at the league table, but he couldn’t help smiling at the sight of QRM sitting top after two rounds.

A day later, news broke that Julien’s other target had signed. The squad still needed someone who could play both flanks and reliably track back when needed. Jonathan Bakali, from Monaco’s academy who had only featured for their B team and became a free agent when his contract expired, joined QRM on a free—adding depth and versatility to both wings.

To be honest, I was really worried about Julien, because looking at this squad, I don’t really expect things to continue like this for the whole season—but let’s hope for the best. I’m truly rooting for him to have a successful first year. Of the four academy players, two have already started once (Mvukana and Da Costa), while a third, Gomes, made his debut as a substitute with an assist. It really seems he has a keen eye for young talent. Campanini, who joined on a free, also had an impressive debut (although he is probably more of a Ligue 2-level player, so Julien was lucky with him).

Next up are Sochaux, who promise to be a real challenge, and Concarneau, who started the season with two defeats.!
 

Dear Readers! 

I am very glad that you have followed Julien's journey for so long. In a brief month, we have traced his 25-year journey in both football and private life. The situation now is that we are slowing down quite a bit. As I mentioned in a previous post (though that might have been in the Chelsea story), I won’t be able to breeze through an entire season in a week. I’m hoping for two weeks a day, so maybe we will cover a year in a month. So the updates won’t be coming fast, but I plan that Julien’s story from here on will be a bit more detailed, so (if you’re still interested) I can continue to post once a day.

A Preseason Like No Other

The First Steps in Management

As previously discussed, on the morning of July 14th, 2025, Julien took a decisive step in his career: he signed a one-year contract as manager of Quevilly-Rouen. It was a date marked everywhere in France by celebration and tradition, but for Julien it signified something far more personal—a commitment to new challenges, new expectations, and the start of a journey in Le Petit-Quevilly. The short-term nature of the deal only added to the sense of urgency; every moment, every match, would count.

Supporter influence at Quevilly-Rouen was moderate, and expectations were set with quiet clarity: the club wanted a top-half finish in the National and sought steady progress on and off the pitch. Julien saw these objectives as both a mandate and an opportunity—an invitation not just to meet the bar, but to raise it. With 48,000 social media followers watching and only 1,000 season ticket holders committed, he understood the project had room to grow. The facilities were a mixed bag: a good stadium, but training and youth facilities lagged behind bigger rivals. The vision was pragmatic, not sensationalist, but it suited Julien perfectly; his task was to build, to advance, and to earn trust through results and evolution.

Julien’s contract, signed on Bastille Day 2025, set out the clear expectations and realities of the job ahead. The club vision wasn’t a blank check for dreams—it spelled out the essentials: work within the wage budget, help the club’s reputation grow, and, above all, secure a top-half finish in the National. Every box was marked “reserving judgment”—he’d have to earn his trust and reputation here, one decision at a time. The deal itself was standard for a club at this level: £1.6K per week on a full-time, single-year agreement, with a modest salary rise if promotion could be achieved. For Julien, the message was clear: stability would have to be built, not assumed, and every objective met would have to be proved on the field.
 

Julien, with the help of his assistant Rivierez, swiftly assessed the squad and made it a priority to identify the key voices in the dressing room. It was clear that Tony Njiké, the 27-year-old midfielder, and Yasser Baldé, the 32-year-old centre-back, were the most influential players—their opinions would weigh heavily on the mood and unity of the group. Beyond them, Julien also took note of the broader circle of influential players: Achille Anani, Namakoro Diallo, Jordan Leborgne, Kapokeyeng Sylva, Ouparine Djoco, Thibault Campanini, Jason Tré, Natanaël Bouekou, Yanis Dede-Lhomme, Kayne Bonnevie, Lenny Pirringuel, and Virgil Thérésin. Winning the support of this core group, with their mix of experience and personality, would be crucial for building trust and harmony as the new season dawned.
 

Though Julien had been pleased with the team’s energy and took away plenty of positives from the first sessions, it only took a few days for a sobering reality to set in: he may have bitten off more than he could chew. Out of the entire squad, just nine players were 25 or older—two more were 23—while the rest were barely out of their teens. What worried him even more was that every player over 20 was in the final year of their contract. Julien tried to resolve this, hoping to secure extensions, but quickly found that budget constraints left little room for improved offers. With no realistic way to keep his leaders long-term, he shifted his focus sharply to the challenges of the current season. Making things even trickier, two of his key players had already signaled that they were seriously considering their futures for the year ahead—adding another layer of uncertainty to an already complicated start.

I swear, this has nothing to do with me:

This summer, Quevilly Rouen Métropole’s preseason took an unexpected, heartwarming turn. The club chose Le Havre—Julien Gauthier’s hometown and a place steeped in his family’s history—as their training base. For Julien, the trip was more than just tactical drills and sweat. From the first day, Julien flipped roles: manager, yes, but now also tour guide, local sage, and proud native. He led the squad through the city’s windswept avenues, sharing stories only a true Havrais could know: the hidden oyster stalls in Les Halles, the gritty beauty of the docks, the best patisseries in Quartier Saint-François. Training sessions took place with the tang of sea air and the distant sound of gulls, players laughing as Julien pointed out his childhood football pitches and the old school gym where he first dreamed of playing for Le Havre AC. By the end of the 10-day training camp, it (at least apparently) seemed that the team and its manager had truly found each other.
 

During preseason, the team played just four matches. Two fixtures came against Boulogne and Nancy, both sides freshly promoted from the National the previous campaign and hungry to prove themselves. Another was a test against Red Star, a club that had only just scraped survival in Ligue 2. The final challenge awaited in early August—a testimonial match against the stable, top-flight side Angers. For Julien, these games offered not only crucial tactical rehearsals but also an immediate chance to measure his youthful squad against opponents at every level of ambition and experience.
 

Even before the main camp in Le Havre began, Julien made it a priority to study the youth side in training. Carefully observing several sessions, he singled out four youngsters whose effort and potential stood out. He brought them up to train with the first-team squad, offering a taste of senior football and a real chance to prove themselves. True to his philosophy, each of these prospects was given minutes during preseason matches—a clear signal that age and experience were only part of the equation; hunger and attitude would matter just as much.

This season, the National was reduced to just 17 teams after Ajaccio was excluded at the final moment due to financial difficulties. The news struck a chord with Julien, dredging up painful memories from his time at Grenoble. Yet, ever pragmatic, he asked his staff to scout the dissolving Ajaccio squad before they parted ways—hoping for an opportunity amidst the chaos. The need was clear at right-back, where the team was especially thin: with first-choice Jason Tré sidelined until December from an Achilles injury, a solution was needed fast. It arrived in the form of Thibault Campanini, freshly available from Ajaccio and brought in by Julien as his very first signing.

Julien’s first preseason in charge brought plenty of drama and lessons. The team kicked off with a convincing 3-1 win at home over Red Star, showing early cohesion and promise. The next outing was much tighter—a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Boulogne, a newly promoted side determined to prove itself. Against Nancy, also freshly promoted, the youthful squad was tested to its limits, with both sides sharing the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw. The final trial came against Angers, an established Ligue 1 team; though the team battled bravely, a narrow 1-0 defeat reflected both their determination and the steep learning curve that lay ahead. For Julien, these matches revealed potential and weaknesses alike, setting a clear direction for the season’s work.
 

At the end of preseason, Julien made his tactical intentions clear: he would line up his team in the 4-3-3 DM Wide shape when in possession, shifting to a compact 4-1-4-1 DM formation out of possession. This approach aimed to balance attacking width and midfield stability, ensuring flexibility both with and without the ball. The decision reflected Julien’s belief in the squad’s adaptability—asking them to defend together, press smartly, and transition quickly. As the first rounds approached, this structure would form the foundation for everything that followed - he hoped.
 

As the season drew closer, Laura could see how Julien’s anticipation was laced with anxiety. The excitement of a fresh start was there in his eyes, but so was the worry: what if he wasn’t good enough? Would the team hold up through the first intense weeks? Was this youthful, inexperienced squad really up to the challenge? Even as those doubts crept in, Laura stood by his side, offering encouragement and quiet reassurance. Her belief helped steady Julien’s resolve; together, they embraced the uncertainty, ready to face whatever came next.

See you next time with Julien's first competitive games as a manager!
 

July 14 – The Dawn of a New Era

The First Day

Across France, cities wake early to tricolor flags, streets bustling with the sounds and preparations of Bastille Day. The country readies itself for celebration—everyone except Julien Gauthier, whose thoughts are entirely elsewhere on this national holiday.

His morning begins with a traditional French breakfast: fresh croissant, pain au chocolat straight from the bakery, baguette with butter and homemade apricot jam, a cup of strong espresso, and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Not a word is mentioned about the approaching fireworks; all the while, Julien’s mind races ahead to his first day in a new job. He kisses Laura, Camille and Louis goodbye, steps outside, and slides into his elegant matte blue Peugeot 508.

The drive takes just over an hour. As he crosses into Rouen’s orbit and approaches Le Petit-Quevilly, the city’s sporting and historic spirit is unmistakable. At the US Quevilly-Rouen Métropole stadium, President Mallet and assistant coach Rivierez await—Mallet’s firm handshake and Rivierez’s warm welcome immediately reassuring. They give Julien a tour of the stadium, the training pitches, and the locker rooms before leading him to his office at Stade Robert Diochon.

Once the brief introductions end, Julien finally settles into his own modest, French-styled manager’s office. Mallet shares a few last administrative notes and then leaves Julien and his assistant to themselves. The two football minds sit together and map out the first week’s schedule: tactical assessment, physical tests, team-building exercises, and one-on-one welcome interviews. The national holiday’s revelry is left outside; inside the club, a new era has begun—and for Julien, with it, a completely new chapter in his story.

And now we start to play!

Offers On The Table

Family Reasons

Julien Gauthier’s managerial career was about to begin. After a decade of assistant coaching at clubs across France, this summer would finally bring the chance to step up and lead a senior squad. Three clubs seriously believed that Julien would be the right choice for the managerial position.  The offers were promising—Annecy in Ligue 2, AS Caen and US Quevilly-Rouen in the Championnat National (France’s third tier). To anyone detached, Annecy looked the smart move: 6th place in Ligue 2 last season, improving on 14th the year before, clearly a club on the rise and, the highest ranked among Julien’s suitors.

That’s where the story grew more complicated. Julien mapped out the possibilities, but Laura—his wife of 17 years—brought reason to his romance. For her, after three years rebuilding family life in Le Havre, another move was out of the question. Camille (13) and Louis (10) were settled; the prospect of weekend reunions, as they’d tried during the Reims adventure, had proven draining. Julien tried to convince Laura: they could return to the familiar Alps, close to old friends in Grenoble, just over an hour’s drive away. But Laura stood firm—a rare, but unwavering “no” to Julien’s restless ambitions.

That left Caen and Quevilly-Rouen Métropole in the mix. Both offered a far simpler commute—each about an hour’s drive from Le Havre, safeguarding the fragile work-life balance that meant so much after years of uncertainty. Rationally, AS Caen made sense: a well-run club, attractive infrastructure, and a respectable finish in the Championnat National after their drop from Ligue 2. QRM has just been relegated from Ligue2, yet Caen's offer seemed more attractive. But Caen were fierce rivals to Le Havre, and Julien, throughout his playing career, had followed his heart.

So it was that Julien accepted the offer from US Quevilly-Rouen Métropole.

The club plays its matches in Le Petit-Quevilly, a southwestern suburb of Rouen, but its footballing soul reflects the greater city’s history and spirit.

Rouen is a city like no other—a cathedral of history set on the banks of the Seine, steeped in epic stories and quiet resilience. Medieval streets spiral out from the imposing striped towers of Notre-Dame de Rouen, their stones worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims, merchants, and ordinary families. It’s the city where Joan of Arc met her fate, memorialized in churches and silent squares. Its half-timbered houses and bustling markets give it a distinctly Norman flavor, mixing old world charm with the creative modernity of its thriving student community.

Rouen’s atmosphere is electric. On Saturday evenings, after the market stalls fold away, football fans drift towards Stade Robert Diochon. The city pulses not with the relentless pace of Paris, but with a quiet pride—a sense of defiance that threads through everything, football included.

Quevilly’s football DNA is pure resilience. Founded in 1902, originally as US Quevilly, the club carved a reputation as the spirited underdog. Their legendary runs in the Coupe de France (finalist in 2012, semi-finalist multiple times) became the stuff of national fairy tales. While Quevilly has spent much of its history flitting between the lower leagues, its story is one of defiance against the odds: a modest budget, a close-knit squad, and a tradition of giving young players their break.

The merger with FC Rouen in 2015 created US Quevilly-Rouen Métropole, reaffirming local ambitions and forging a modern professional club built on Norman pride. Though the team has yet to cement itself as a regular in Ligue 2, the club’s spirit—community, perseverance and faith in unconventional talent—remains its greatest strength.

Julien joins Quevilly Rouen not as the biggest or easiest choice, but as the one that honors his own story—where the twists and turns of football, and life, feel destined to meet. In Rouen’s city of legends, he’ll bring his own chapter to life.

See you next time with Julien's first preseason as manager!

Back to Le Havre

And an Unexpected Move

Julien found himself once more on the outside, overlooked for the Grenoble head coach position—despite quietly believing that his years of loyalty and growth would finally be rewarded. When Grenoble appointed Maurizio Jacobacci as Philippe Hinschberger’s replacement, the Swiss coach arrived with his own trusted assistants, making it clear there would be little room for holdovers or sentimental appointments. Julien watched the transition unfold with a bittersweet mix of expectation and disappointment. His mentor Hinschberger invited him to join Amiens, but this time, Julien chose to stay. He waited—hoping a managerial door might open somewhere. Yet that call never came. Instead, he devoted the next year to his family and to developing himself, observing training sessions at major clubs and studying the tactics of Europe’s most successful managers. For the first time in years, football became private study instead of daily routine; and as the months passed, Julien grew more patient, wiser, and quietly determined for a future that was still just out of reach.
 

A year later, Julien’s phone rang unexpectedly. On the other end was newly appointed Le Havre manager Luka Elsner. Elsner had just taken the reins at Julien’s hometown club and was searching for an assistant with broad experience and tactical imagination. With barely concealed excitement, Julien agreed to join the project immediately—even before hanging up, he was picturing the club’s old stands, the sea air, the place where it all began.

Before accepting, Julien hesitantly pitched the idea at home. Camille was now 10 and Louis 7—both old enough to realize what a move would mean. But Le Havre, while distant from their life in the Alps, was no stranger. The family had spent many vacations there with Julien’s parents. Laura, quietly supportive as ever, simply took his hand and smiled: “If this is what you want, let’s do it.”

Elsner and Julien hit it off from the start, both on the training ground and in strategic planning. They challenged each other—Elsner with his vision and man-management, Julien with calm analysis and a willingness to experiment tactically. Though Le Havre was working on a tight budget with modest ambitions, the coaching team managed steady progress. They  brought through academy talents, and earned the respect of their league rivals. The city, and Julien’s parents, swelled with pride at his return.

Le Havre earned a stunning promotion to Ligue 1 in 2022/23—a return to the top flight that brought joy to both the city and Julien's family. In the season that followed, survival was always the target; together, they managed to keep the team up.
 

In the summer of 2024, everything changed. Stade de Reims came calling for Elsner—lured by a bigger budget, transfer flexibility, and the chance to chase Europe. Julien didn’t hesitate to follow: it was his first taste of working at a club with genuine European aspirations, and the project, the city, and the supporters all full of ambition. The first months in Reims were challenging rather than a whirlwind: inconsistent football, mixed results, and the team positioned in the mid-to-lower part of the table. By early 2025, hopes of a top-four finish had faded, with the club instead focused on securing safety from relegation.

Football is ruthless. Injuries struck, form collapsed, and a handful of painful defeats left the project wobbling just as expectations peaked. In April, club management decided to make a change as the team drifted towards relegation—a clean sweep of the coaching staff, including both Elsner and Julien.

For the first time in a decade, Julien was unemployed not by his own choice, but because football’s spinning wheel had cast him off. All the seasons, all the comebacks, and all the locker room talks—suddenly, he was on the outside looking in, with no club badge and no preseason to plan.

In the summer of 2025, something unexpected happened!

New Horizons

 Julien’s Growth Under Philippe Hinschberger

Julien’s working relationship with Philippe Hinschberger started off as a difficult dance. Hinschberger, known for his strong opinions and methodical approach, brought high expectations and a meticulous eye for detail to his new post at Grenoble. For a while, Julien sometimes felt like an outsider in his own club. The two men clashed on tactical details and training routines, and more than once left the training ground in stony silence—each respecting the other’s expertise, but struggling to find a common language.
 

Yet, as the weeks turned to months, something shifted. Both coaches recognized their shared commitment and ambition. Julien learned to appreciate Hinschberger’s discipline and vision, while the head coach came to rely on Julien’s local knowledge, man-management, and intuition honed from years in Grenoble’s colors. They began seeking each other’s advice, staying late after sessions to debate lineups or pour over opposition footage. Over time, a foundation of trust and even friendship formed—one that would see the club grow on and off the pitch.

Grenoble’s results soon spoke for themselves. The first season under Hinschberger was one of stabilization; the team adapted tactically, finishing in mid-table but setting the stage for what was to come. By the following year, Grenoble became a genuine force in Ligue 2. An organized, fluid system, more dynamic attacking play, and a unified squad spirit meant the club was pushing up the table, regularly challenging some of France’s most historic sides. Fans started to dream. Journalists noted their clever pressing, improved ball progression, and the balance between youth and experience.

By 2021, with Grenoble threatening promotion, Hinschberger’s achievements didn’t go unnoticed. His phone began to ring—especially from Amiens, a club with big post-Ligue 1 ambitions and the resources to lure an in-demand coach. After long deliberation, Hinschberger accepted Amiens’ offer. Privately, he hoped Julien would join him on the next step, having come to value not just Julien’s skills, but his loyalty and steadfast presence on the bench.

Julien, however, this time chose differently. The call to Amiens was flattering, and the thought of following his mentor did cross his mind. But, Julien felt ready when Hinschberger left, and he really wanted to take charge of the team.
 

See you next time with the last chapter before he steps into management!