Sébastien Bichard set to team up with departing Clermont manager Pascal Gastien before taking over permanently | OneFootball

According to L’Équipe, Clermont are set to make a change in the dugout with Sébastien Bichard set to team up Pascal Gastien in the management of the Ligue 1 club.

Gastien looks set to leave Les Lanciers in the summer after a period of 8 years with the club. The French coach was initially appointed as a technical coach before assuming the role as head coach in 2017. Gastien was responsible for leading Clermont to promotion in 2022. Despite an impressive 8th-place finish last season, his job has come under increasing pressure this season with the Auvergne club rooted to the foot of the table.

As a result, Clermont have actively been looking for his replacement in recent weeks. Red Star assistant Sébastien Bichard is the man that they have pinpointed to replace Gastien. However, he is not expected to assume full responsibility at the Gabriel Montpied Stadium until the end of the season.

Two managers at once?

In true Roy Evans and Gérard Houllier style, it appears Bichard will join Gastien in the dugout with equal influence. This should be an adaptation period for when Gastien ultimately leaves at the end of the season and Red Star’s Bichard is announced as his sole successor, according to L’Équipe. There are still negotiations to be finalised but following this weekend’s matches Bichard’s appointment is expected to be official.

GFFN | Liam Wraith