Former Mali star Samba Diawara appointed AJ Auxerre assistant manager

Former Mali international Samba Diawara is embarking on a new chapter in his coaching career after joining French Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre as assistant manager.

The 48-year-old tactician has been added to head coach Will Still’s technical staff as the club continues to strengthen its coaching setup.

“AJ Auxerre is delighted to announce the arrival of Samba Diawara to the coaching staff as assistant manager,” the club announced.

Diawara will work closely with Still, providing support to the French coach as Auxerre prepares for the demands of the Ligue 1 campaign. His appointment sees him replace former assistant coach Jean-Alain Boumsong, who recently left the club’s coaching staff.

The move represents a return to a familiar working environment for Diawara, who already knows Still well from their time together at Stade de Reims.

Diawara joined the Reims coaching staff in 2022 and spent several years working within the club’s technical structure. During his time at Reims, he was also entrusted with the responsibility of taking charge of the first team on an interim basis on two occasions.

His experience of stepping into the head coach role, combined with his work as part of a technical team, is expected to add further experience and tactical knowledge to Still’s staff at Auxerre.

Diawara’s departure from Reims came only a few days before his appointment at Auxerre. Following his exit, reports emerged linking the former Mali international with a possible move to Morocco, where he was reportedly being considered for a role alongside Mohamed Ouahbi.

Those reports ultimately did not materialise, with Diawara instead remaining in France and making the switch to Auxerre.

His appointment also reunites him with Still, strengthening a professional relationship that was established during their time together at Reims.

For Diawara, the new role provides another opportunity to continue his development on the coaching side of the game after transitioning from his playing career.

The former Mali international enjoyed a career that included representing his country before moving into coaching, where he has gradually built experience within the French football system.

Now at Auxerre, Diawara will be tasked with assisting Still both on the training ground and during matches as the club looks to achieve its objectives in Ligue 1.

His familiarity with Still and his previous experience working in French football could help him settle quickly into the new environment, while Auxerre will hope his arrival can provide an additional layer of experience and tactical expertise to the coaching team.