Gary O’Neil has been named the new manager of Strasbourg after Liam Rosenior departed the French Ligue 1 club to take over as head coach at Chelsea earlier this week. The 42-year-old former Premier League midfielder expressed pride in joining Strasbourg and emphasized his commitment to delivering attractive football while achieving the club’s ambitious goals this season.

O’Neil on Joining Strasbourg

Speaking after his appointment, O’Neil said:

“I am proud to join a club with a high-quality squad and clear, ambitious goals for the season. Racing Strasbourg has a unique history, extraordinary passion, great resilience, and loyal fans who want to see this team play attractive football and succeed. My priority is to work hard with the team and give everything for the club’s success.”

Strasbourg currently sit seventh in Ligue 1, and the club acted quickly to secure O’Neil’s services following Rosenior’s departure to Chelsea on a six-and-a-half-year deal. The French club is part of the BlueCo multi-club ownership group, also owned by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, which controls Chelsea.

Strasbourg president Marc Keller praised O’Neil, stating:

“Gary is a demanding and respected coach, with a modern approach to football that fits perfectly with our sporting project. We are confident he will continue to drive the club forward and help achieve our targets this season.”

Gary O’Neil’s Managerial Career

O’Neil began his managerial career in the Premier League with Bournemouth, taking over from Scott Parker during the 2022-23 season. He guided the Cherries to safety, managing 88 top-flight games, before being sacked at the end of the campaign despite his successful survival bid.

He quickly returned to management with Wolves for the 2023-24 season. O’Neil guided the West Midlands club to a 14th-place finish in the Premier League and reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, but his second season proved more challenging. Wolves struggled in the league, and O’Neil was dismissed in December 2024 with the team positioned in the relegation zone.

First Fixtures and Expectations at Strasbourg

O’Neil will take charge of his first match in the French Cup tie against Avranches on Saturday. His appointment is expected to bring a blend of modern tactical approaches learned in England, with a focus on attacking football, squad development, and consistency in Ligue 1.

Fans and analysts are watching closely to see how O’Neil adapts to French football after his Premier League experience. Strasbourg, under O’Neil, will aim to secure a European competition spot, maintain league stability, and enhance the club’s long-term growth strategy within the BlueCo ownership network.

Looking Ahead: Strasbourg’s Ambitions

With a modern, ambitious manager at the helm, Strasbourg hope to continue building on their strong start to the season. O’Neil’s Premier League experience is expected to bring tactical discipline, squad rotation expertise, and a fresh attacking mindset.

The move also highlights a growing trend of Premier League managers moving abroad, bringing their expertise to European leagues while gaining exposure to new footballing cultures. O’Neil joins a list of English managers seeking opportunities outside of the UK to expand their managerial credentials and make an impact on international football.