Esperance’s move for former Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle stalls

Esperance’s bid to appoint former Angola tactician Patrice Beaumelle as their new head coach has suffered a major setback.

Beaumelle was on the verge of taking over at Esperance just days after parting ways with the Angola national football team. The 46-year-old tactician had even travelled to Tunisia and spent three days in the country as discussions intensified.

However, despite the advanced stage of negotiations, the deal has yet to be finalized.

Per reports, significant differences remain between the two parties, particularly regarding the duration of the contract and the specific rights and conditions tied to a potential separation. These sticking points have temporarily halted progress, though a new round of talks is expected in an effort to bridge the gap and reach an agreement as soon as possible.

Earlier reports suggested Beaumelle was set to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract with Esperance, further fueling expectations that an official announcement was imminent.

Beaumelle boasts extensive experience across African football. He previously served as assistant to compatriot Hervé Renard, working with the national teams of Morocco, Zambia and Ivory Coast before stepping into head coaching roles himself. He later managed the Ivory Coast national team, had a spell with Algerian side MC Alger, coached Umm Salal in Qatar, and most recently led Angola.

Esperance’s urgency to appoint a new coach comes at a critical moment in their season. The club officially parted ways with Maher Kanzari last week following a disappointing defeat to Stade Malien in the penultimate round of the CAF Champions League group stage.

Despite that setback, Esperance responded strongly, securing qualification for the quarter-finals after defeating Atlético Petróleos de Luanda in their final group match.

Now, a high-stakes showdown awaits. The Tunisian powerhouse is set to face Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC in the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League next month — a clash that demands stability and clear leadership on the touchline.

With preparations underway for one of the biggest fixtures of their season, Esperance will be eager to resolve negotiations swiftly. Whether Beaumelle ultimately takes the reins remains to be seen, but time is of the essence as the continental heavyweight braces for another defining chapter in its African campaign.