Ligue 1 club AJ Auxerre have relieved Christophe Pélissier of his managerial duties, the club confirmed on Thursday. The decision comes amid a disappointing run of form for Auxerre, who narrowly avoided relegation last season and are looking to stabilise in the French top flight.
Pélissier initially joined Auxerre in November 2022, tasked with steering the club away from the relegation zone. He succeeded in doing so, securing their Ligue 1 status for the following season. However, the 2023-2024 campaign proved challenging, with inconsistent performances leading to mounting pressure on the manager.
Auxerre finished 16th in Ligue 1 last season, just one point above the relegation playoff spot. While they survived, the club’s leadership clearly felt a change was needed to build a more competitive squad and achieve higher league placement. The club has not yet announced a replacement for Pélissier.
The timing of the departure is notable, coming before the start of the new season. Auxerre will be keen to appoint a new manager quickly to allow for adequate preparation and team building. The search for a successor is expected to focus on candidates with experience in French football and a track record of developing young players. This managerial change signals Auxerre's ambition to improve their performance and establish themselves as a stable Ligue 1 side.
