Stade de Reims is preparing for a decisive Ligue 2 clash against Le Mans FC, whose coach Patrick Videira has just been nominated for the prestigious UNFP Best Coach of the Season award. This recognition highlights Le Mans FC's exceptional performance, currently second in the standings with only two matchdays remaining, and underscores the stakes of their upcoming encounter.

Patrick Videira, leading a promoted team that has successfully established itself in Ligue 2, is logically among the five coaches vying for this trophy. The nominees were unveiled this Thursday, April 30, 2026, by the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP), thus rewarding the remarkable work carried out by the Sarthe-based coach.

In addition to Patrick Videira, other talented coaches are also in contention for this distinction. They include Fabien Dagneaux from Boulogne-sur-Mer, Stéphane Dumont from Troyes, Grégory Poirier from Red Star, and Didier Santini from Rodez. The competition is fierce, reflecting the quality of performances observed this season in Ligue 2.

However, Le Mans FC did not fare as well in other categories. The club is not represented among the nominees for Best Player or Best Goalkeeper, despite Nicolas Kocik's 13 clean sheets. Gaëtan Poussin, the goalkeeper for Red Star, is, however, included in the list of best goalkeepers.

The UNFP award winners will be announced during the 34th ceremony, scheduled for Monday, May 11. The event will be broadcast on Ligue 1 + starting at 6:45 PM, as well as on the UNFP's YouTube channel. The Best Coach is selected by their peers via Unecatef, the coaches' union, while players from Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and Première Ligue elect the other winners through a secure ballot.

Patrick Videira's nomination highlights Le Mans FC's impressive season and adds an extra dimension to the crucial match against Stade de Reims. This duel could very well be decisive for the Sang et Or's promotion to Ligue 1, making Stade de Reims's observation of this club all the more intense.