Brest's Roy and Lorenzi address future amid Nice links
Stade Brestois manager Eric Roy and sporting director Grégory Lorenzi have addressed speculation over their futures, following links to a move to OGC Nice. Speaking to Ligue 1+ after Brest's 3-3 draw with Lens on Friday, Roy, who is under contract with the Breton club until 2027, initially deferred questions. "I don't know, I'm not aware," Roy said. "From there, it's easy for me. It's a question you have to ask him. I can't talk about something I don't know." When pressed further, the coach offered a slight indication, stating, "I don't know anything, I'm under contract. There's no reason for me to leave. That's it, but well. Time will tell."
Earlier, sporting director Grégory Lorenzi, who has been in his post since 2018, was also questioned by the broadcaster about rumours linking him with a move to Nice next season. Lorenzi acknowledged the interest but emphasized his focus on Brest's season finale. "It's always pleasing. When you are solicited, when people think of you, it shows that you are perhaps on the right path," Lorenzi said. "After that, I put personal interest second. What matters to me is the club. We must be 100% focused on the objectives. There are five matches left for us; it's difficult to talk about your personal case. I don't want to disrupt or weaken anything. The future will hold something I am not yet certain of and that I am unaware of. We'll see at the end of the season."
The comments come at a pivotal moment for Brest, who secured their mathematical survival in Ligue 1 with the point earned against Lens. The club has enjoyed a stable and successful period under the stewardship of Roy and Lorenzi, achieving a comfortable mid-table position after promotion. Roy, appointed in January 2023, has been widely praised for his tactical work, while Lorenzi's recruitment has been key to building a competitive squad on a modest budget.
Interest from Nice, a club with greater financial resources and European ambitions, represents a natural next step in their careers. Nice are expected to be in the market for a new sporting director and potentially a new head coach this summer as they look to rebuild. The potential departure of either figure, but particularly both, would represent a significant challenge for Brest, who would need to find replacements capable of continuing the project that has brought stability and growth.
For now, both men remain committed to seeing out the final five matches of Brest's campaign. The club's leadership will likely be hopeful that the strong foundations laid and the project in Brittany will be enough to convince their key figures to stay. However, the public acknowledgment of external interest underscores that their futures will be a major point of discussion once the season concludes.
