First Steps In Coaching

Promotion Double in the Alps 

When Julien accepted the offer to become Grenoble Foot 38’s assistant coach in the summer of 2016, he was stepping into familiar territory with fresh credentials: he had just completed his UEFA B licence, making him eligible for an official staff role in the CFA. Returning to the club where he’d played his best football, Julien felt ready for the next step.

The challenges were significant—Grenoble was battling in France’s fourth tier. From the very first pre-season session, Julien’s focus was on transferring his experiences as a player into the daily grind of training and match preparation. He worked closely with the head coach, helping blend veterans with ambitious youth in a squad designed for a promotion push.

The 2016/17 season was a dream. Julien took charge of technical drills, guided midfield play, and acted as a bridge between staff and dressing room. Grenoble posted one of their strongest ever campaigns in CFA Groupe C and, by spring, clinched 1st place and a precious promotion to the Championnat National. For Julien, celebrating that night at Stade des Alpes was another highlight of his football life—this time from the bench.

The following year brought new challenges in the National, France’s tough third level. Early in the season, Julien took another leap and began his UEFA A licence course, balancing intensive studies with the demanding role of assistant coach. Even on matchdays, he worked new ideas from the course into his approach, pushing the team and himself to adapt to the tougher opposition.

As the National season wore on, Grenoble’s grit and organisation paid dividends. Julien was an integral part of the coaching staff throughout that 2017/18 promotion battle, his own development mirroring the club’s ambitions. By season’s end, Grenoble finished 3rd, earning yet another promotion—this time, back to Ligue 2.

Those two years were transformational: Grenoble’s double rise up the divisions and Julien’s journey through coaching qualifications cemented his status not just as a former player, but as an emerging professional coach. And as confetti swirled at the final whistle, Julien looked up into the stands—Louis and Camille waving excitedly—and recognised the beauty of new beginnings for both club and family.

At the end of season 2017/18 Olivier Guégan's contract as the manager of Grenoble has expired and he accepted the opportunity to take over at Valenciennes FC.

Next time we'll find out what Guégan's departure means for Julien!