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Galthié confirms his departure

Tuesday 22nd April 2008

End of the road for Stade Français's coach

Stade Français head coach Fabien Galthié confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday that he will step down from his role at the end of the season. His successor has not been named.

The 31-year-old former France international captain and scrum-half will quit his responsibilities as coach of the Parisian club a year before the end of his contract.

The news comes as no surprise as it has already been reported that Galthié announced his departure to his players last Thursday.

The reasons for his decision were however eagerly awaited as he has been tight lipped since the news broke.

"I gave the decision a lot of thought," an emotional Galthié told the press conference.

"I've been coaching for three years now. During those three years I've noted my team's progression. Now, in order for that progression to continue, a change in method is needed, which I cannot provide.

"I have to be honest with the players and with my president. That's why I took the decision now."

"I've reached my limit, the top end of my competencies in this framework," said Galthié, hinting at the lack of structure in the club's setup.

Galthié joined Stade Français in 2001 and became the head coach of Max Guazzini's club in 2004 after the departure of Nick Mallett.

In his three seasons at the helm of the French capital's growing club, Galthié's achievements include one French championship and an unsuccessful appearance in a Heineken Cup final at Murrayfield, where the Parisians were defeated by arch rivals Toulouse in 2005.

"Coaching is what I do best. When I coach a team, I am in my element," he said, adding that he would like to travel to the southern hemisphere to continue learning.

"I want to continue travelling, consulting and exchanging ideas with coaches in South Africa and New Zealand.

"Max [Guazzini] has asked me to stay at the club but I haven't really decided what I'll do at the end of the season. I'm not afraid of the unknown. I'm not open to propositions from other clubs. At least not for a certain time.

"I'd like to see one of the players that I worked with take over from where I left off."

Following the recent announcement of Pieter De Villiers' retirement, Tuesday's news will see the departure of another charismatic figure from Jean Bouin.