Stade Lavallois have announced that manager Olivier Frapolli will leave the club at the end of the current season. The decision was revealed by club president Laurent Lairy, bringing an end to Frapolli’s six-year tenure with the Ligue 2 side.
Frapolli arrived at Laval in 2019 and guided the club to the National title in 2022, securing promotion to the third tier of French football. His leadership was instrumental in their subsequent rise to Ligue 2, though the recent campaign proved more challenging. Laval narrowly avoided relegation, securing their Ligue 2 status in the final moments of a decisive match against Rouen.
According to Lairy, the decision to part ways with Frapolli was a mutual one, stemming from a belief that it was the right time for both parties to move forward. He stated that he proposed the separation and takes full responsibility for the decision, suggesting a desire to avoid what he termed “the season too many.” The club president acknowledged that Frapolli faced criticism during the latter part of his tenure, particularly regarding the style of play implemented by his team.
Frapolli’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Stade Lavallois. His time at the club saw a period of considerable success, culminating in promotion to Ligue 2, but recent struggles prompted the club to seek a fresh direction. The announcement comes after a tense relegation battle, with Laval ultimately securing their place in the league in dramatic fashion.
The club has not yet announced a replacement for Frapolli, leaving the future direction of the team uncertain. This managerial change could signal a shift in strategy for Laval as they look to build on their Ligue 2 status and potentially challenge for promotion in the coming seasons.
