Patrick Videira has extended his contract with Le Mans FC until 2029 after being approached by RC Lens this summer. The move provides stability for the Sarthe club as they sit 14th in Ligue 1 with three points from four games.
The interest from RC Lens emerged following Pierre Sage's departure to coach Crystal Palace. Lens sporting director Jean-Louis Leca explored several candidates for an interim role. Journalist Romain Molina confirmed the talks. "If he had been hired by RC Lens, it would have been for one or two years," said Romain Molina, outlining a plan where Yannick Cahuzac was then expected to take over. RC Lens ultimately appointed Dino Toppmöller.
Presented with this option, Patrick Videira chose to stay. He explained his reasoning in an interview with Ouest-France. "His values, as well as the love from the supporters and the end-of-season discussions with the players contributed to his desire to stay in Sarthe," said the coach. The news comes just after his team drew 2-2 with that same RC Lens side on 13 September, with goals from Adil Bourabaa and Lucas Calodat.
Le Mans FC's current sporting context, with a recent run of three draws and two losses, makes this continuity valuable. The next challenge is a home fixture against FC Lorient on Saturday 19 September, a team currently in 9th place. Supporters can check the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page and the squad status, where Erwan Colas, Lucas Buades and Martin Rossignol are currently sidelined, on the injuries page. Top scorer Ludovic Mafouta, with three goals this season, will be a key asset for the clash.
Read the full report at Actu.fr
