Despite leading the newly-promoted side to a comfortable mid-table finish and the first Coupe de France win of the club’s modern history, Philippe Montanier’s resurgence in the Toulouse dugout may be set to come to an end.
The 58-year-old previously had spells at Real Sociedad, Rennes, Nottingham Forest and Lens, before taking charge of Les Violets in 2021, leading the team to promotion at the first time of asking.
As initially reported by Foot Mercato and later confirmed by L’Équipe, Montanier is now on the verge of being sacked. President Damien Comolli had set the team the target of finishing between 10th and 11th place, according to statistical projections used by the club – instead, they have ended the campaign in 13th.
Comolli has publicly indicated that despite the season’s success, there was “a bit of frustration“, and also pointed out that Montanier would not be offered a contract extension, with his deal expiring at the end of next season. Neither of the two have reacted to the recent reports of the latter’s prospective sacking. Assistant coach Carles Martínez Novell, who arrived in December, would be one of the favourites to take over, as he fits owners RedBird Capital Partners’ stats-based approach. However, Toulouse may also go for a more experienced name.
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin
