Debut Antics of Coaches Stéphane Gilli and Stéphane Le Mignan in Ligue 1

In the world of French football, two coaches – Stéphane Le Mignan and Stéphane Gilli – are making their mark in the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season.

Stéphane Le Mignan, currently under contract with FC Metz until next June, has had an impressive career, managing teams at various levels, including Vannes, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Créteil, Concarneau, and now FC Metz. This season, he finds himself in the exceptional arena of Ligue 1, a level he describes as high-quality with a roster of talented players and coaches.

Le Mignan's coaching style is appreciated by the versatile Georgian Giorgi Tsitaichvili, who enjoys taking risks and having the ball. The coach's focus on the game and its practice, rather than his public image, has resonated with his players.

On the other hand, Stéphane Gilli, the head coach of Paris FC, is a first-time Ligue 1 coach. His only previous experience as a head coach was in the 2023-2024 season in L2 with Paris FC. Gilli's management style is a mix of firmness and kindness, and he values human management as a key aspect of his approach. He structures weeks with video sessions and individual feedback for players.

Gilli's journey in football has been shaped significantly by Mecha Bazdarevic, his assistant for 16 seasons. Before taking the helm at Paris FC, Gilli had previous experience working with Ligue 1 teams Istres, Grenoble, and Sochaux as an assistant coach.

Le Mignan, meanwhile, is facing a complex transfer market with more solicitations and behaviours oriented towards what's happening outside. He spends Thursdays working on set pieces and Fridays studying opposing goalkeepers.

Despite not being satisfied with the current results, Gilli remains positive about what's coming. He feels ready, enthusiastic, humble, and ambitious for his experience in Ligue 1. Gilli has a clear vision of the organization of his teams and tactical choices, having managed players like Miralem Pjanic, Edin Dzeko, Emir Spahic, Achraf Hakimi, and Nayef Aguerd in the past.

Pierre Ferracci, the president of Paris FC, confides that Gilli has a very adapted management style to the world of football. Le Mignan, on the other hand, values human fulfillment in his job and prefers work environments that are adapted to his life. He has faced two training rejections, from defender Matthieu Udol and Senegalese striker Cheikh Sabaly.

Both coaches are navigating the challenges of Ligue 1 with determination and a focus on their teams' success. Their journeys serve as a testament to the passion and dedication required to thrive in the competitive world of professional football.