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Pascal Gastien
Pascal Gastien
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Pascal Gastien (born 2 December 1963) is a French professional football manager and former player who was most recently the head coach of French club Clermont.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Gastien was born in Rochefort, Charente-Maritime.[1] He is the father of footballer Johan Gastien.[4]

Club career

[edit]

In his playing days, Gastien played predominantly as a central defensive midfielder. The majority of his playing career was spent in the top two divisions of the French football league system.[citation needed]

Angoulême

[edit]

Gastien's career started when he signed his first professional contract as an 18-year-old with then Division 2 side Angoulême. However, he found it difficult to break into the first team set up, playing only six league games, and left after just one season as a professional.[citation needed]

Niort

[edit]

In the summer of 1982, Gastien joined then Division 4 side Niort.[5] In the 1983–84 season, the team were promoted to the third division following a third place in Division 4.[6] He went on to feature in most games during the 1984–85 season as the team were winners of their group in the third division,[7] winning a second consecutive promotion, this time to Division 2. Gastien then played a major role two seasons later as the club secured promotion to the top division of French football, Division 1, finishing as runners-up in Division 2 in 1987. His performances for the club in the top-flight attracted the likes of Marseille, whom he signed for in 1988.[citation needed]

Marseille

[edit]

Gastien found first team opportunities harder to come by at Marseille, making just 18 league appearances as the club were crowned champions of France and winners of the Coupe de France in the 1988–89 season.[citation needed]

Return to Niort

[edit]

In order to play more football, Gastien returned to Niort, who had since been relegated back to Division 2, in the summer of 1989. However, his stay with the club was short-lived as he was sold to Division 1 outfit Nice in the middle of the season.[citation needed]

Nice

[edit]

Gastien went on to play for Nice for three-and-a-half seasons, but again found first-team chances in the top-flight limited, making only 61 league appearances in this time. He played in just four league matches in the 1990–91 season as the club were relegated from Division 1. He eventually left Nice in the summer of 1993 and joined then National 1 side Châteauroux.[citation needed]

Châteauroux

[edit]

Gastien played a major role in the 1993–94 season as Châteauroux finished top of the National, achieving promotion to Division 2. He enjoyed the next two seasons, playing in the majority of games for Châteauroux. However, in the 1996–97 season, Gastien's final season as a professional, he played a mediocre six matches as the team won the Division 2 championship, gaining promotion to Division 1. In the summer of 1997, Gastien was released by Châteauroux and subsequently retired.[citation needed]

International career

[edit]

In the qualifying round for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Gastien played three games without scoring for France as they failed to qualify for the final tournament, finishing bottom of their group.[8]

Managerial career

[edit]

Niort

[edit]

After retiring from professional football, Gastien turned his hand to management.[citation needed]

In October 1999, Gastien was appointed joint caretaker manager of Niort alongside former Rennes boss René Cédolin, but the pair did not take charge of any league games.[citation needed]

In 2000, Gastien was appointed permanently as head coach of Niort's reserve team.[citation needed]

In January 2005, Gastien took over from Vincent Dufour as manager of the first team, who were struggling in Ligue 2. Unfortunately, Gastien was unable to avoid relegation to the Championnat National, with the team winning just three of the 17 games he was in charge, and at the end of the season, he reverted to being the reserve team coach, whilst Philippe Hinschberger took control of first team duties. Gastien continued to coach the reserves until the summer of 2009.[citation needed]

On 4 June 2009, it was announced that Gastien had been re-appointed as manager of Niort.[9]

Gastien led Niort to win the Championnat de France Amateur during his first full season in charge, thereby returning to the Championnat National at the first attempt.[citation needed]

In the 2010–11 campaign, Gastien led the club to an eleventh place in the third tier; in the 2011 close season, several new players including Jimmy Roye and Julien Ricaud were recruited and the following season, Niort went on to finish as runners-up to Nîmes Olympique thanks to a 1–0 win away at Gazélec Ajaccio on the final matchday. Niort were consequently promoted to Ligue 2, marking the club's return to the professional ranks of French football.[citation needed]

He spent two more years in charge of Niort, guiding the side to a 15th-placed finish in the 2012–13 season, followed by a fifth-place finish a year later.[citation needed]

It was announced on 19 May 2014 that Gastien would not have his contract renewed and would be leaving the club after a fifteen-year association.[10][11][12]

Châteauroux

[edit]
Gastien as Châteauroux manager in 2014

On 4 June 2014, Gastien was appointed as the new manager of his former club as a player, Châteauroux, succeeding Jean-Louis Garcia. However, following a string of poor results, Gastien was relieved of his duties on 9 February 2015.[citation needed]

Clermont

[edit]

Gastien was revealed as the new manager of Clermont reserves on 11 May 2016. Gastien became the new manager of the senior team on 1 September 2017 after previous manager Corinne Diacre left two days before on 30 August to take charge of the France women's national team. In the 2020–21 Ligue 2, Gastien led Clermont to finish second in the league, to be promoted to the Ligue 1 for the first time in their history.[13]

Gastien left Clermont at the end of the 2023–24 season.[14]

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of match played 19 May 2024
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref.
P W D L Win %
Niort (caretaker) October 1999 October 1999 0 0 0 0 ! [15]
Niort (reserves) July 2000 June 2005 132 58 33 41 043.94 [15]
June 2005 June 2009 126 59 34 33 046.83
Niort January 2005 June 2005 18 3 8 7 016.67 [15]
4 June 2009 19 May 2014 191 73 65 53 038.22
Châteauroux 4 June 2014 9 February 2015 28 6 9 13 021.43 [citation needed]
Clermont (reserves) 11 May 2016 3 September 2017 31 11 7 13 035.48 [citation needed]
Clermont 1 September 2017 19 May 2024 263 97 71 95 036.88 [citation needed]
Total 789 307 227 255 038.91

Honours

[edit]

Player

[edit]

Niort

Marseille

Châteauroux

Manager

[edit]

Niort

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Pascal Gastien (born 2 December 1963) is a French former professional footballer and current , best known for his tenure at Clermont Foot, where he guided the club to promotion to in 2021. Born in Rochefort, , Gastien began his playing career as a defensive , accumulating 281 appearances in French leagues and cups, including stints with in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Transitioning to management, he began coaching with the reserves of Chamois Niortais before taking charge of in 2013, where he stabilized the team in Ligue 2. His appointment at Clermont Foot in September 2017 marked a significant chapter; over seven years, he led the club from to the French top flight, finishing as runners-up in the 2020–21 season to secure promotion. During their campaigns from 2021 to 2024, Gastien's pragmatic tactics helped Clermont overachieve, including a memorable 2–1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain in May 2023 and consistent mid-table finishes despite limited resources. The club was relegated in following a challenging season, after which Gastien departed, leaving him as a as of 2025.

Early life and background

Childhood and youth

Pascal Gastien was born on 2 December 1963 in , in western . He grew up in the nearby commune of Saint-Agnant, also in , where he spent his early years in a region known for its maritime heritage and community-oriented sports culture. During his youth, Gastien developed a passion for football. He pursued with a focus on sports, attending the Sport Etudes program in , where he trained under coach Guy Latapie, who emphasized intelligent movement and game understanding. This period marked his initial formal involvement in football development, blending athletic training with academic studies aimed at a career in . Gastien later recalled aspiring to become a gym teacher from his time in the program, stating, "Je voulais être prof de gym dès mon entrée au Sport Etudes d’Angoulême avec Monsieur Latapie." At age 20, Gastien began pursuing coaching qualifications, obtaining his BE1 diploma while still active in football, reflecting an early interest in education and transmission of knowledge rather than solely playing. His formative experiences in Angoulême laid the groundwork for his transition to professional football there, where he joined the local club and prepared for senior-level competition.

Family and personal life

Pascal Gastien is the father of professional footballer Johan Gastien, born on 25 January 1988, who currently plays as a for Clermont Foot. Johan has worked under his father's coaching at clubs including and Clermont. In April 2022, Gastien and his son were anticipating the arrival of Johan's first child, making Gastien a grandfather for the first time.

Playing career

Club career

Pascal Gastien began his professional football career as a central defensive , a position he held consistently throughout his playing days, known for his tactical awareness and defensive solidity in the midfield. Over his career from 1979 to 1998, Gastien featured for several French clubs, including , Chamois Niort, , , and , accumulating approximately 293 appearances and scoring 10 goals in competitive matches. His transitions between clubs often aligned with opportunities for advancement in the French football leagues, reflecting his reliability as a squad player. Among his key milestones, Gastien contributed to Chamois Niort's promotion to as Division 2 Group A champions in 1987, won the title and in 1989 during a brief but successful spell at , and helped secure the championship with in 1997, marking a strong end to his playing tenure. He retired in 1998 at age 34 after his time with Châteauroux.

Angoulême

Pascal Gastien signed his first professional contract with , a club competing in the French Division 2, during the early 1980s as an 18-year-old emerging talent. Joining the team ahead of the 1983–84 season, he was positioned as a , tasked with providing stability in the while adapting to the demands of professional football. In his debut professional season, Gastien struggled to secure a regular spot in the amid stiff competition and the club's mid-table positioning in Group B of Division 2. He made only six league appearances, none of which resulted in a goal, highlighting his initial challenges in breaking through at the senior level. These limited outings reflected the typical hurdles for young players transitioning from youth ranks, where consistent first-team exposure proved elusive. The brevity of Gastien's tenure at Angoulême stemmed primarily from his quest for greater playing opportunities to further develop his skills. After just one season, he departed the club, moving to Chamois Niort FC to pursue a more prominent role in a team that offered better prospects for regular minutes.

Niort (first spell)

Pascal Gastien transferred to Chamois Niortais FC from AS Angoulême in 1984, initiating his first spell at the club that would span four seasons until 1988. During this period, he solidified his position as a key midfielder, providing defensive solidity while contributing offensively with timely goals. Over these years, Gastien made 139 appearances and scored 17 goals across all competitions, becoming a cornerstone of the team's midfield engine. Gastien played a pivotal role in Niort's back-to-back promotions that elevated the club through the French football pyramid. In the 1984–85 season, he featured prominently as Niort secured promotion from Division 3 to Division 2, finishing as champions of their group with an impressive record of only three losses. His versatility in breaking up play and supporting attacks helped lay the foundation for the team's ascent. The following campaigns saw continued development, with Gastien's consistent performances aiding the side's adaptation to higher levels. The pinnacle of his first spell came in the 1986–87 season, when achieved promotion from Division 2 to Division 1 by winning with 55 points from 34 matches. Gastien appeared in all 34 league games that year, scoring 3 goals, and his defensive contributions were instrumental in the team's league-leading defense that conceded just 15 goals. This success marked 's historic entry into the top flight for the 1987–88 season. Following this achievement, Gastien departed for .

Marseille

In the summer of 1988, Pascal Gastien joined from Chamois Niort on a transfer dated July 12. During the 1988–89 season, Gastien, positioned as a defensive , made 18 appearances in , starting 17 matches and accumulating 1,511 minutes while scoring one goal. His playing time was restricted by the club's strong squad depth, limiting him to a rotational role. He also featured in the , entering as a substitute in the 69th minute of the final against AS Monaco on June 10, 1989, which won 4–3 after extra time to secure the domestic cup. Under manager Gérard Gili, Gastien contributed to Marseille's triumphant campaign, helping the team clinch the title with 73 points and achieve the historic domestic double—the club's second in its history. He shared the midfield with established stars, including winner , who led the attack with 22 league goals. Following the season's successes, Gastien returned to .

Niort (second spell)

After leaving in the summer of 1989, where he had contributed to the club's and double the previous season, Pascal Gastien returned to Chamois Niortais FC for a second spell. This move allowed him to rejoin the familiar environment of his formative club, where he had previously established himself as a key during his initial tenure from 1982 to 1988. Gastien adapted quickly, bringing valuable experience from top-flight football to a Niort side competing in Division 2. During the 1989–90 season, Gastien made 14 appearances in Division 2, scoring no goals, as part of 's campaign that saw the team finish 7th in Groupe B and secure their place in the second tier. His role as an energetic defensive helped stabilize the squad amid competitive pressures, leveraging his physicality and leadership to support the team's mid-table position. However, his time at proved brief, as limited opportunities led to a transfer to in November 1989. The club faced increasing challenges in the subsequent 1990–91 season, finishing 15th in Division 2 Groupe B and suffering relegation to Division 3, marking a downturn after Gastien's departure.

Nice

Pascal Gastien joined in November 1989 on a free transfer from Chamois Niort FC, arriving as an experienced defensive to bolster a struggling side in Ligue 1. His tenure at the club lasted until July 1993, during which he made 68 appearances across all competitions, scoring 1 goal, primarily serving as a reliable squad player in . Following Nice's administrative relegation to Division 2 due to financial difficulties at the end of the 1990–91 season—despite a 14th-place finish in Ligue 1—Gastien became a key figure in the team's stabilization efforts in the second tier from 1991 onward. In the 1991–92 Ligue 2 campaign (Group B), he featured in 13 league matches as Nice secured a solid 9th-place finish with 34 points from 34 games (11 wins, 12 draws, 11 losses), contributing to a balanced defense that conceded 40 goals while helping the club avoid further turmoil after six months of unpaid salaries during the prior crisis. The following season (1992–93, Group A), Gastien appeared in 29 league games and netted his sole goal for the club, aiding a strong 3rd-place standing with 41 points (14 wins, 13 draws, 7 losses) and a +17 goal difference, underscoring his role in fostering team consistency and mid-to-upper-table security. No major injuries disrupted his form during this period, allowing steady involvement in Nice's recovery. Gastien departed in summer 1993 for , seeking a greater chance at promotion.

Châteauroux

Pascal Gastien joined in 1993 as a defensive , signing for the club then competing in the (Division 3). His tenure lasted until 1997, during which he made approximately 77 appearances across all competitions, scoring no goals, while serving as a reliable presence in midfield. Gastien played a significant role in Châteauroux's promotion from the National to Division 2 at the end of the 1993–94 season, finishing as champions. Over the next two seasons in Division 2, he contributed to the team's consolidation in the second tier, featuring regularly and providing defensive stability amid competitive challenges. His experience helped the side build toward further success, culminating in the 1996–97 season when Châteauroux won the title with 76 points (20 wins, 16 draws, 6 losses), securing promotion to Ligue 1. Gastien departed the club in 1997, after which he retired from professional football in 1998.

International career

Pascal Gastien earned three caps for the Olympic team during the 1987–88 UEFA qualification campaign for the in . His first appearance came on 13 October 1987, starting and playing the full match in a 2–1 victory over in , where goals from Alain Kombouaré and François Pain secured the win despite an early strike by Spain's Julio Vázquez. This call-up followed Chamois Niort's historic promotion to Division 1 earlier that year, highlighting Gastien's emerging form as a defensive in the top flight. Gastien featured again on 23 March 1988, starting in a 1–1 home draw against at Stade Jules-Deschaseaux in , contributing to a solid defensive effort that kept competitive in the group. His third and final cap arrived on 27 April 1988, substituting into the lineup for 78 minutes during a 2–2 draw away to in Budapest's Puskás Ferenc Stadion, before being replaced by Maurice Bouquet. Across these U-21-eligible Olympic qualifiers, Gastien recorded no goals while helping maintain a balanced midfield presence under coach Jack Braun. Despite these performances, finished fifth in their group with four points from eight matches, failing to advance to the Olympics after losses to and in key fixtures. Gastien's international career was limited to these youth-level appearances, with no senior caps for the full national team.

Managerial career

Niort

Pascal Gastien was appointed manager of Chamois Niortais FC on 1 July 2009, succeeding Denis Troch. His tenure marked his debut as a in professional football, building on years coaching the club's since 2000. In his first full season, Gastien led Niort to the Championnat de France Amateur (CFA) title in Group C during 2009–10, securing promotion back to the Championnat National after relegation the previous year. The success highlighted his emphasis on youth development, integrating academy products into the squad and fostering a disciplined, attacking style that propelled the team to 72 points from 34 league matches. Gastien's impact continued in the , where finished as runners-up in 2011–12 with 70 points from 38 matches, earning promotion to for the 2012–13 season. The campaign featured strong home form and key contributions from young talents like his son Johan Gastien, underscoring his role in nurturing emerging players. In , achieved a solid mid-table finish of 12th place, stabilizing the club in the second tier. Gastien departed in 2013 following the mid-table finish, leaving an overall record of 165 matches with 61 wins, 51 draws, and 53 losses—a win percentage of approximately 37%. His four-year spell transformed the club from the fourth tier to competitive status, establishing a foundation for youth integration that influenced subsequent successes.

Châteauroux

Pascal Gastien was appointed manager of club on 4 June 2014, returning to the club where he had played as a from 1993 to 1997. Succeeding Jean-Louis Garcia, he took over a side facing financial constraints and inconsistent form following a mid-table finish the previous season. Gastien's tenure proved challenging, with the team struggling to find consistency in during the 2014–15 campaign. Despite implementing a pragmatic approach focused on organization, endured a poor run of results, culminating in a 19th-place finish and relegation to the . The season saw the club record just 7 wins, 11 draws, and 20 losses overall. Gastien managed 29 matches in total, securing 6 wins, 10 draws, and 13 losses for a points-per-match average of 0.97, before being sacked on 9 February 2015 amid the team's position near the relegation zone. His dismissal reflected the broader instability at the club, which continued to face administrative and competitive difficulties in the lower tiers.

Clermont

Pascal Gastien was appointed as manager of Clermont Foot on 1 September 2017, succeeding who had left to coach the women's national team. He initially joined the club in 2016 as manager of the reserve team before stepping up to the senior side. During his tenure, Gastien guided Clermont to their first-ever promotion to by finishing second in the season, securing direct promotion as one of the top two teams amid the league's adjusted format. In the club's inaugural top-flight campaign of 2021–22, they survived relegation with a 17th-place finish, relying on a solid defensive structure. The 2022–23 season marked a significant improvement, with Clermont achieving their highest position of 8th, earning 59 points through consistent performances and notable victories, including a 3–2 comeback win against Paris Saint-Germain. However, the 2023–24 campaign proved challenging, as Clermont finished 18th with just 25 points, resulting in relegation to after three years in the top division. Gastien departed the club following the final match of the season on 19 May 2024, a 0–2 home defeat to , ending his seven-year association with the team. Over 263 matches in all competitions, he recorded 98 wins, 69 draws, and 96 losses, yielding an average of 1.38 points per match. Gastien's pragmatic approach emphasized a 4–2–3–1 formation, focusing on defensive organization and counter-attacking efficiency to punch above the club's weight. His son, Johan Gastien, contributed as a for the club from 2018 to 2024.

Post-Clermont activities

Following the relegation of Clermont Foot to at the conclusion of the season, Pascal Gastien's contract with the club expired on 30 June 2024, marking the end of his seven-year tenure as manager. Gastien, who turned 61 in December 2024, announced his retirement from coaching after 25 years in the profession, expressing a desire to step away from the demands of management. In a June 2024 interview with , he reflected on the evolution of coaching and his personal satisfaction with his career, stating that he no longer thought about football daily. He has since indicated plans to return to , a country he holds dear due to its landscapes and his 2013 visit to observe training under at , with whom he had previously worked during his playing career at . As of November 2025, Gastien remains without a new managerial role and is listed as retired by major football databases. He has occasionally engaged in media commentary, particularly regarding the challenges facing former club Chamois ais. In April 2025, amid the club's potential dissolution due to financial issues under its ownership, Gastien voiced strong emotions of desolation, anger, and hatred toward the situation, criticizing the shift toward business priorities over sporting values; he attended the final professional training session on 2 August 2024 and offered advisory support to a potential successor project but declined an active role for personal reasons. More recently, in November 2025, he reflected on his playing and coaching days at during the club's 100th anniversary celebrations, describing his journey from Division 4 to Division 1 as an unexpected human adventure and highlighting the mentorship of players like Abedi and .

Managerial record

By competition

Pascal Gastien's managerial tenure featured consistent performances across France's top divisions, with notable achievements including promotion from the with in 2011–12 and from with Clermont in 2020–21 via . His records reflect a balanced approach, often emphasizing defensive solidity in lower tiers. Below are season-by-season breakdowns by competition, focusing on league and cup matches managed.

Ligue 1

Gastien managed Clermont Foot exclusively in from 2021 to 2024, where the team struggled to avoid relegation but recorded respectable points hauls in survival contexts.
SeasonClubMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGoals For:AgainstPPM
2021/22Clermont Foot3810101838:691.05
2022/23Clermont Foot385102345:490.66
2023/24Clermont Foot345101926:600.74
PPM calculated as (3 × wins + draws) / matches.

Ligue 2

Gastien's longest success came in Ligue 2, spanning Niort (2012–14), Châteauroux (2014–15), and Clermont (2017–21), culminating in a 4th-place finish and promotion playoffs win in 2020–21 against Toulouse (aggregate 4–2), securing Ligue 1 ascent.
SeasonClubMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGoals For:AgainstPPM
2012/13Niort388181236:411.11
2013/14Niort3815131051:471.53
2014/15Châteauroux2961013Not specified0.97
2017/18Clermont Foot381713854:361.68
2018/19Clermont Foot3818101044:371.68
2019/20Clermont Foot28147735:251.71
2020/21Clermont Foot381911861:251.82
PPM calculated as (3 × wins + draws) / matches. Data for Niort from full-season management; Châteauroux covers July to February tenure; Clermont 2017/18 began September 1.

Championnat National

Gastien guided to promotion in 2011–12 after a mid-table finish the prior year.
SeasonClubMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGoals For:AgainstPPM
2010/1140131017Not specified1.23
2011/123819109Not specified1.76
PPM calculated as (3 × wins + draws) / matches. 2010/11 and 2011/12 include select cup ties.

Coupe de France

Gastien's cup record was modest, with early exits common, though Clermont reached the round of 32 in 2021–22 and 2023–24.
SeasonClubMatchesWinsDrawsLossesPPM
2021/22Clermont Foot21011.50
2022/23Clermont Foot10010.00
2023/24Clermont Foot21011.50
Additional appearances occurred with and , but without detailed breakdowns available. PPM calculated as (3 × wins + draws) / matches.

Coupe de la Ligue

Limited involvement, primarily with Clermont during the competition's existence (discontinued after 2019–20).
SeasonClubMatchesWinsDrawsLossesPPM
2019/20Clermont Foot21011.50
PPM calculated as (3 × wins + draws) / matches.

Overall summary

Pascal Gastien has managed a total of 476 matches throughout his coaching career across various French football clubs and competitions, accumulating 169 wins, 137 draws, and 170 losses. This record yields a win rate of approximately 36% and an average of 1.35 points per match. Gastien's managerial journey began in lower-tier leagues, starting with Chamois Niort FC in the during the 2010/11 season, before progressing to with the same club in 2012/13. He continued in with stints at (2014–2015) and Clermont Foot (2017–2021), achieving promotion to with Clermont in the 2020/21 season, where he managed until 2024. His tenure reflects steady advancement from amateur levels, including a brief role with Clermont's in CFA 2, to the top flight of French football. Key contributions came during extended periods at (165 matches) and Clermont (263 matches), where he built a reputation for stabilizing mid-table performances in the second division before guiding Clermont to the elite level.

Honours

As player

During his playing career, Pascal Gastien won one title with in the 1988–89 season. He also secured the Coupe de France with the same club that year, defeating AS Monaco 4–3 in the final. Gastien contributed to two Ligue 2 titles, the 1986–87 championship with Chamois Niortais and the 1996–97 title with LB Châteauroux. Additionally, he helped Niort claim the Division 3 championship in 1984–85, earning promotion to Division 2.

As manager

  • Championnat de France Amateur: 2009–10 (Chamois Niort)
  • Ligue 2 runners-up: 2020–21 (Clermont Foot)

References

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