Thierry Debès, who arrived as assistant to Nicolas Usaï, the former goalkeeper, last November, was promoted to number one after the resignation of the Marseille coach at the end of January.
An effective interim period as Pau FC quickly secured their 6th consecutive season in Ligue 2, finishing the 2025-2026 season in 9th place, a record for the club in the second division.
Despite a more challenging end to the season with injuries, offensive and defensive struggles (second-to-last defense in Ligue 2), and overall squad fatigue, Thierry Debès convinced the club’s leaders who see him as a skilled coach.
His tactical pragmatism and 3-5-2 formation have impressed Pau’s decision-makers, who are expected to overhaul the squad extensively in the coming weeks. The focus will be on recruiting players suited to the coach’s philosophy, both young and experienced, to maintain results, especially at home.
Thierry Debès, who will officially graduate from the BEPF (Professional Football Coach Certificate) in June, will have a full pre-season to implement his playing ideas with the team.
The technical staff is gradually taking shape. Goalkeeper coach Anthony Babikian, who arrived in June 2024 with Nicolas Usaï, will remain in Béarn, while a contract extension offer is being considered for assistant Thibault Giresse. The recruitment of a second technical assistant is also in the works.
As the regular Ligue 2 season ended last Saturday, training is set to resume on June 22.
Nicolas Usaï moves on to Reims Nicolas Usaï has found his new destination. The former Pau FC coach will join Stade de Reims, according to Morning Foot website. The Champagne club, aiming for promotion, finished a disappointing 6th in Ligue 2 this season. Belgian Karel Geraerts is expected to leave Reims after failing to bring the club back to Ligue 1. Highly sought after in recent weeks, Nicolas Usaï inherits an ambitious sporting project with the means to compete at the top. Esteemed and respected at Nouste Camp, the Marseille native will return to Béarn next season.
