When a club gets relegated, the mission is clear: bounce back. For Stade de Reims, that meant returning to Ligue 1 at the first time of asking. Last summer, they turned to Karel Geraerts to lead the charge. But sometimes, even the best-laid plans go off course.

Geraerts' side didn't just miss out on automatic promotion—they failed to even secure a spot in the play-offs. For a club with Reims' pedigree, that's a tough pill to swallow. Now, according to L'Équipe, the manager and the club are set to part ways. It's a move that feels inevitable, like a penalty kick that was always going to be saved.

But Reims aren't waiting around. They've already got a replacement in their sights. While Olivier Dall'Oglio was initially linked with the job, it's Nicolas Usai who looks poised to take the reins. Usai left Pau by mutual consent back in January, but he's been far from idle. His reputation has grown, with clubs from the bottom of Ligue 1, as well as sides in Ligue 2 and Belgium, all showing interest. However, it seems Reims have moved quickly—Usai may already have an agreement in place.

For a club like Reims, known for their passionate fanbase and rich history, this change feels like a fresh start. Whether Usai can steer them back to the top flight remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: the pressure is on, and the clock is ticking.