Former Arsenal and Manchester City Star Takes First Senior Coaching Role in Championnat National.

Gaël Clichy SM Caen manager

Stade Malherbe Caen have officially appointed former Premier League winner Gaël Clichy as their new head coach, as announced on December 29, 2025. The 40-year-old French left-back legend steps into his first senior managerial role, replacing Maxime d’Ornano who was sacked amid poor results in the Championnat National (France’s third tier).

Clichy, part of Arsenal’s unbeaten “Invincibles” squad in 2003/04 and a multiple title winner with Manchester City, retired in 2020 after stints at Başakşehir and Servette. He transitioned into coaching as assistant to Thierry Henry with France U21s and Olympics (silver medal at Paris 2024), before leaving in July 2025 to pursue a head coach position.

The club, majority-owned by Kylian Mbappé‘s family through Coalition Capital since 2024, has struggled since relegation from Ligue 2 last season. Sitting 10th in National 1, Caen recently suffered an embarrassing Coupe de France exit to lower-tier Bayeux, prompting the change.

In the official statement, SM Caen praised Clichy’s “high-level experience, modern football knowledge, and daily demands.” He will be assisted by Marvin Esor, with the existing staff retained. Contract details were not disclosed.

Clichy expressed ambition earlier in 2025, telling L’Équipe he wanted to “coach the best teams.” This move reunites him with high expectations at a historic Normandy club aiming for quick promotion.