Will Still is in negotiations to become the new manager of Ligue 1 side Lorient, according to reports from RMC Sport. The 33-year-old is set to replace Olivier Pantaloni, who departed at the end of the season, and could return to French football after a brief spell in the Premier League.
Still’s most recent managerial role was with Southampton, where he was relieved of his duties after 16 matches and only four victories. Prior to joining the Saints, the Anglo-Belgian coach had established a reputation as a promising tactician in France, notably with Reims. He guided Reims to a club-record 17-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1 during the 2022-2023 season.
Before his time at Reims, Still also managed Lens, finishing eighth in Ligue 1, a result that ultimately prevented the club from qualifying for European competition. Despite the relatively underwhelming campaign at Lens, his overall body of work in France has clearly attracted the attention of Lorient’s hierarchy.
The potential appointment comes at a sensitive time for Lorient, with captain Laurent Abergel publicly expressing his discontent with Pantaloni’s departure, describing it as a “scandal” in a recent interview with Ligue 1+. Integrating into a potentially unsettled dressing room will be one of Still’s first challenges should he take the job. Lorient will be hoping Still can quickly stabilise the team and build on the foundations laid by Pantaloni. His arrival could signal a new era for the club as they look to establish themselves as a consistent force in Ligue 1.
