Lorient considering Will Still as Olivier Pantaloni’s successor

TL;DR

FC Lorient is considering Will Still as a potential successor to Olivier Pantaloni, who will leave the club after this season. Pantaloni, who led the team to a Ligue 2 title and a strong Ligue 1 campaign, has declined a contract extension.

Key points

FC Lorient is looking for a new head coach.
Olivier Pantaloni will leave the club after this season.
Will Still is a candidate for the head coach position.
Pantaloni declined a contract extension.
Wouter Vrancken is also in the running for the job.

Mentioned in this story

Olivier PantaloniWill StillWouter Vrancken

FC LorientAFC BournemouthSint-Truiden

Lorient considering Will Still as Olivier Pantaloni’s successor

FC Lorient are considering the appointment of Will Still, according to a report from L’Equipe. Les Merlus are on the market for a head coach given Olivier Pantaloni has confirmed he’ll not extend his stay in Brittany past this season. Despite a remarkable record in two seasons that brought the Ligue 2 title in 2025 and a very strong Ligue 1 campaign with the club currently in 9th place, Pantaloni will seek a new challenge after turning down Lorient’s contractual proposal.

L’Equipeunderstands that Lorient’s majority shareholder – AFC Bournemouth owners, Black Knight Football Club – has started the search for the club’s new head coach, and that Still reportedly fits the profile as an experienced Ligue 1 coach able to develop young players and instill a clear playing style.

Still resigned from his post as RC Lens head coach at the end of last season for personal reasons as he intended to return to England. He was signed by Southampton FC, but his spell turned sour and he was dismissed as early as November. To land the Lorient job, Still reportedly faces competition from another Belgian national: Wouter Vrancken, who leads Sint-Truiden to third place in the Belgian league.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval

Q&A

Why is Olivier Pantaloni leaving FC Lorient?

Olivier Pantaloni is leaving FC Lorient because he has confirmed he will not extend his stay past this season after turning down a contract proposal.

Who is Will Still and why is he a candidate for Lorient's head coach?

Will Still is a former head coach of RC Lens and is considered a candidate for Lorient's head coach due to his experience in Ligue 1 and ability to develop young players.

What is the competition for the head coach position at FC Lorient?

Will Still faces competition from Wouter Vrancken, who is currently leading Sint-Truiden in the Belgian league.