Quick Facts
Biography
Christian Gourcuff (born 5 April 1955) is a French football manager and former player. He is the manager of Rennes.
Club career
During his play career, Gourcuff played for Stade Rennais, US Berné, EA Guingamp, FC Rouen, FC La Chaux-de-Fonds, Lorient, Le Mans and Montreal Supra.
Coaching career
Gourcuff coached Lorient, Le Mans, Pont-L'Abbé, Stade Rennais and Al-Ittihad, and is considered in France as a shrewd tactician with a strong commitment to attacking football and an eye for young talent. Gourcuff is thus widely credited with having overseen the progress of youngsters such as Jérémy Morel, André-Pierre Gignac, Kevin Gameiro, Morgan Amalfitano, Michael Ciani, Christophe Jallet, Laurent Koscielny, Bruno Ecuele Manga and Lamine Koné. On 25 May Gourcuff left Lorient, as manager.
Algeria
On August 4, 2014, Gourcuff was officially unveiled as the new head coach of the Algeria national football team, taking over the vacant spot left by the departure of Vahid Halilhodžić. On February 3, 2015, Gourcuff was given a new deal despite Algeria's quarter-final exit at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Return to Rennes
Gourcuff was announced to be returning to Rennes on the 10th of May 2016. He is set to take over from manager Rolland Courbis at the end of the season.
Personal life
His son, Yoann, is also a professional footballer who is currently playing with Rennes and a French International who competed in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.