Stade de Reims appoint Luka Elsner

Stade de Reims have announced the appointment of Luka Elsner as manager on a two-season contract. Elsner replaces Will Still, who has taken the same position at Racing Club de Lens, having spent last season with promoted side AC Le Havre. Elsner becomes the fourth new manager on a Ligue 1 bench for the 2024/25 season, joining Bruno Génésio (LOSC Lille), Still and Franck Haise (OGC Nice).

The son of former OGC Nice defender Marko, Luka Elsner was born in Slovenia and spent the bulk of career there with Domzale, winning a host of honors as a player. Still only 41, he transitioned into management at a young age and in addition to Le Havre, previously managed in France's top flight with northern side Amiens SC. In addition to Amiens, Elsner has also taken charge of teams in his native country, Belgium and Cyprus. The winner of the UNFP Ligue 2 Manager of the year after helping Le Havre to promotion, Elsner will be looking to have Reims challenging for the European positions.

Speaking to the club's website, Elsner remarked on his arrival, "I arrive in Reims with a huge sense of desire. We feel an increasing enthusiasm around the club, not only from the supporters but also from the city as a whole. I can guarantee to do everything on my side in terms of passion, competence and desire to carry out the project and to build a team which is in the image of the city and its supporters, offering football attractive and competitive, combining intensity and passion."

With Reims beginning their preseason today, Elsner was eager to get the deal over the line so as to be installed ahead of his players' first day of training, working with CEO Mathieu Lacour to get the deal over the line on time.

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