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Still, who made headlines in 2023 as the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues without a Pro License, whas relieved of his duties as Reims coach on Monday despite an impressive season.
In a surprising turn of events, Will Still, the youngest coach in Europe's top leagues, parted ways with Stade De Reims by mutual consent last Monday.
However, amidst his departure, Still has unveiled his aspirations for the future, shedding light on his potential next move.
Still, who gained widespread attention for his remarkable coaching stint at Reims, notably without possessing a UEFA Pro coaching license, leaves behind a legacy of 14 games unbeaten in all competitions.
His tenure saw Reims achieve a French championship record of 19 consecutive matches without defeat in Ligue 1, cementing his reputation as a rising coaching prodigy.
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17:02 - 02.05.2024
Joseph Okumu's Stade de Reims parts ways with coach amid season end approach
Kenya international Joseph Okumu's team, Stade de Reims, mutually parts ways with their head coach.
Despite the success, Still's journey with Reims has come to an end, prompting speculation about his next destination.
Rumors have linked him and his brother Nicholas with Sunderland, with discussions reportedly held before Sunderland appointed Michael Beale in mid-December. Beale himself was sacked after just 12 games. They currently do not have a permanent coach.
Aside from keeping the side challenging for European places for most of the season before a horrible run of form that was not helped by having most of his squad decimated by injury, Still did also try to manage players that were signed on Shrewd deals, including Kenyan defender Joseph Okumu.
Okumu joined the club nine months ago on a four-year-long contract, ending his two-year long stay with Gent.
Reims coughed up close to Ksh 2 billion for the services of the towering Kenyan centre back, who has since become one of the best defenders statistically in France.
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10:00 - 20.02.2024
STARS ABROAD The metrics showing why Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu is as good as William Saliba, Virgil Van Dijk and co
The metrics that indicate how Joseph Okumu is stylistically similar to some of the world's best defenders, such as Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate and PSG's Danilo Pereirra.
In an exclusive interview with The Athletic earlier this year , Still candidly addressed the speculations surrounding his potential move to Sunderland, emphasizing his desire to return to his roots, both in the Premier League or the Championship.
He expressed his mixed heritage, referring to himself as "half English, half Belgian, half nothing," highlighting a deep-seated connection to England, the homeland of his parents.
Reflecting on the reported interest from Sunderland, Still acknowledged the discussions but refuted claims of arrogance or discontent with Reims. He clarified, "If someone offered you a better job, better life, you’d listen. Any human being would listen," dismissing misconceptions about his intentions.
While Still's immediate focus lies in finding the right environment for his career, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of managing a Championship club.
Still, who has previously stated that managing his boyhood club West Ham United would be his ultimate aim one day, stressed the importance of trust and openness in his working relationships, emphasising his instinct-driven approach and preference for candid communication.
"The Premier League is the ultimate dream for any manager in the world," Still admitted. However, he emphasized his willingness to wait for the right opportunity, prioritizing compatibility over haste.
“But if there’s a Championship club that’s ambitious, that wants to work in the right way and be open and honest about things, and really try and push to get somewhere, then I would love to do that.
“Obviously, the Premier League is the ultimate dream for any manager in the world. I’m not in a rush, either. It’s not that, if I come to England, I have to go to the Premier League, or I have to go to this or that club.
"If something fits then it fits, and I’d be just as happy doing that.“I’ve never really had a career plan. I’ve never set a timing on anything. I’ve just waited for opportunities to come up; see how it feels, see what it’s like.”
With a year left on his Reims contract, Still remains open to diverse possibilities, guided by his instinct and a patient approach to career progression. As the football world awaits his next move, Still's departure from Reims marks the beginning of an intriguing chapter in his coaching journey.
In the tumultuous landscape of football management, Will Still stands poised for his next challenge, driven by ambition, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Whether in the Premier League or the Championship, his journey promises to captivate audiences and redefine the boundaries of coaching excellence.
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