After being the surprise team of Ligue 1 in 2023/2024 (3rd), Stade Brestois is impressing Europe in the Champions League this season. Before the Bretons face Shakhtar Donetsk for a qualification in the round of 16, the Guardian drew up a portrait of the man who embodies these performances: Eric Roy. An example of perseverance and work behind the scenes, during his twelve years away from the dugout, the former sporting director of RC Lens and Watford FC has -almost- never been discouraged. The former Nice coach even embarked on a tour of renowned managers -Arsène Wenger, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Didier Deschamps- to study their training routines. Enough to be ready when Brest called him to save the club from relegation in 2023. "Hard work", "humility" and especially "emotion" are the words that come back most to Roy when asked about the secrets of his success. "I manage emotion" he says to describe his job. An "emotional stability" shared by the entire French club that impresses French and European football.
Brief
Since his arrival in January 2023, Eric Roy has saved Stade Brestois from relegation and qualified them for the Champions League for the first time in their history / ©Icon Sport