Four years after his time on the bench at Saint-Étienne, Spanish coach Oscar Garcia, David Guion’s successor in Reims, was officially presented on Wednesday. He said he was drawn to the youth-focused project. “From the Sagrada Familia to the Cathedral of Reims. “ The formula of Mathieu Lacour, general manager of the Stade de Reims, to welcome the arrival of the new club coach, Oscar Garcia, could not have come at a better time. It is in a royal setting, the building in the background, and in the company of his staff, that the 48-year-old Spaniard and former Barça player was officially presented on Wednesday. He succeeds David Guion, who had been at the club for nine years. Four years after a first shortened experience on the Saint-Étienne bank, who had seen him resign after only thirteen matches, and two quick stints at Olympiakos and Celta Vigo, Oscar Garcia said to himself ” happy “ to find Ligue 1 and a “Historical lub”. The one who speaks French and who has already spoken with all the players will lead his first training Thursday afternoon, after the traditional individual tests. “Why did you agree to join the Stade de Reims?
I had other offers. But when I was told about the Stade de Reims and the project, it was the best option for me. We have a team that must work and get young players to play in order to develop. It is our strength. I am very happy to be the coach of Reims, it is an important day for me. Did the club’s prestigious history count in your choice?
Yes, it’s a historic club, everyone knows that. He was a finalist in the European Cup twice, champion of France six times … But that is the past. We have to think about the future. “Establishing the club in Ligue 1 is the first objective. Afterwards, I want an ambitious team ”
What are your goals ?
We want to establish the club in Ligue 1, this is the first objective. Afterwards, I want an ambitious team because I am ambitious, I have a winning spirit, I want all my players to have it. To get as high as possible. With Ruben Martinez as assistant David Guion’s successor will be supported in his mission by two assistants, Ruben Martinez, one of his most loyal, and Will Still, the former coach of Beerschot (Belgium). Sébastien Hamel will remain goalkeeper coach, and Mickaël d’Amore will take care of the link between the professional team and the youngsters. This will be your second French bench after Saint-Étienne in 2017. How do you see the level of the Championship?
It is the third best World Championship, with Germany perhaps. I think there are only England and Spain ahead. Every season the teams and coaches are better. Last season, we saw that three or four clubs could win Ligue 1. Lyon, Monaco, Lille … In the Champions League, Paris had a very good run (half). It will be hard, but we are here for that … “I am a mixture of the philosophy of Barcelona and Salzburg”
How can you define your game?
I like possession but you have to have it to hurt the opponent. I want to attack, create chances. But if we keep the ball a lot, it’s also to defend. I like to squeeze high, I’m a mix of Barcelona and Salzburg philosophy (his club for two years, between 2015 and 2017). Since your beginnings as head coach (in 2012 at Maccabi Tel Aviv), you have never been more than two years on the bench of the same club. Do you think you are reversing this trend in Reims?
I hope so, I was fired only once, it was at Celta Vigo (2019-2020). I was there for two seasons. But if all goes well, if we get along well, for me there is no problem to stay for many years. “The name of Oscar came naturally” Mathieu Lacour, general manager of the Stade de Reims, welcomed the profile of his new coach. “When we were looking for a successor to David Guion, Oscar’s name came naturally. We wanted someone capable of leading the project with this youth. We have a lot of young players who have a talent that everyone recognizes. “
–
