Tunisian football club Esperance has reached an agreement with Spanish coach Pablo Franco to become the team's new manager. According to reports from Mozayic radio, Franco will take over as the team's manager, replacing Romanian coach Laurentiu Reghecampf. Reghecampf had been in charge of the team since June but appears to be leaving after disagreements with the club's management.
Pablo Franco is expected to arrive within 24 hours to finalize the contract and begin his duties with the team. The Spanish coach previously managed Moroccan club Maghreb Fez. His appointment comes after speculation about Reghecampf's future, with Romanian club Steaua Bucharest's owner, George Becali, stating that he had agreed to a deal with Reghecampf to take over as his team's manager.
Reghecampf's departure from Esperance was further confirmed when he missed the team's departure for a training camp in Ain Draham. The team is set to enter a week-long closed camp during the international break. All of Reghecampf's Romanian coaching staff were also absent from the camp, with Belgian coach Joël Karshey taking temporary charge of training.
George Becali, owner of Steaua Bucharest, claimed that he would pay Reghecampf's €150,000 buyout clause to secure his services. Reghecampf had previously managed Sudanese club Al-Hilal before joining Esperance in June. Several names have been touted as potential replacements, including Jalal Qadri, currently managing Saudi club Al-Hazm, and a Serbian coach.
Esperance currently sit fourth in the Tunisian league table with nine points from three wins and one loss. The team is set to face Libyan club Al-Sweehli in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. Pablo Franco's appointment is expected to bring a new dynamic to the team as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
Laurentiu Reghecampf's departure and Pablo Franco's arrival mark significant changes for Esperance ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League tie. The team's management is keen to ensure a smooth transition and get the team back on track in both domestic and continental competitions.
The changes at Esperance reflect the ongoing developments in African football, with teams continually seeking new talent and strategies to improve their performance. The appointment of Pablo Franco will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike as the team navigates its upcoming challenges.
Key points
- Esperance has agreed with Spanish coach Pablo Franco to replace Romanian coach Laurentiu Reghecampf.
- Franco is expected to arrive within 24 hours to finalize his contract.
- The team faces Libyan club Al-Sweehli in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
