Returning to Brittany was the natural decision for Laurent Koscielny. After leaving Lorient for Arsenal in 2010, the former defender is now back at the Ligue 1 club as sporting director.
“My wife and I were eager to return—it’s a beautiful area with friendly, welcoming people,” he says of the coastal town, famous for its annual Celtic music festival and naval base.
Following a difficult end to his playing career at Bordeaux, Koscielny first rejoined Lorient as a youth coach. He moved into upper management when the club, nicknamed Les Merlus (the Hakes), were relegated in 2024. “Our goal was to get back into Ligue 1 the following season for the club’s centenary,” he explains. They succeeded, winning promotion as champions.
Though he initially wanted to “keep all doors open” after completing coaching and sports management courses, the 40-year-old now has a clearer career direction. “As sporting director, I interact with everyone at the club and have a complete overview—from finances and marketing to on-pitch matters.”
Koscielny frequently uses the word “pérennité,” or sustainability, when discussing his vision for the club. “Ambition is good, but being grounded is even better,” the former France defender notes. He points to the careful approach of neighbors Brest, whose surprising title challenge two years ago earned them a Champions League spot.
“I’ve arrived during a tough period for French football,” he says, referring to the repeated broadcasting rights crises that have hit finances hard. “But it forces us to focus on our strengths. When money is available, the temptation is to spend it.”
Lorient’s connection with Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has led to player exchanges, and Foley is set to increase his stake from minority to majority shareholder. “I’d say we’re quite similar clubs,” Koscielny observes. “We’re both in coastal towns with smaller stadiums, and we focus on developing young players.
“Collaborating with clubs like that helps our growth, but you can’t just copy and paste—every club has its own identity, and we must preserve ours.”
Last summer, when Lorient needed to replace top scorer Eli Junior Kroupi, who joined Bournemouth, Koscielny nearly reunited with former Arsenal teammate Olivier Giroud. “I’m still in touch with Olivier and knew he wasn’t entirely happy in the U.S. and might want to return to Europe. I tested the waters, but it didn’t work out.” Giroud later signed for Lille.
The broader strategy is to invest mainly in young talent. “Once they’ve reached their peak with us, they can move on to new challenges. We understand that and have a track record of developing both academy graduates and signings from lower leagues.” The recent signing of 21-year-old left-back Arsène Kouassi from Ajaccio, who has shone in his debut top-flight season, exemplifies this approach.
In recruitment, Koscielny believes understanding the person is as crucial as data. “I ask players simple questions: Why did you start playing football? What are your dreams? How will you achieve them? Their answers reveal their passion and potential.”
Despite some encouraging results, including a recent draw against Paris Saint-Germain, Lorient are fighting relegation. “We knew this season would be challenging… We’re playing…”We’re playing well but we need to rediscover our scoring touch and cut out defensive errors. I’m confident in the squad and the coaching staff.
Koscielny sees Arsène Wenger’s work at Arsenal as a model to follow. “Over those 23 years, he developed the club in every way: not just on the pitch, but also in culture, finances, and infrastructure.”
He notes it’s no coincidence that many of his former Arsenal teammates are now in managerial and directorial roles. “I think he succeeded in sharing his experience, and we’re carrying on his legacy through everything he taught us.”
Mikel Arteta’s success as Arsenal’s manager doesn’t surprise him. “As a player, he was very thoughtful; he had that knack for solving problems through communication and positioning. He was also full of energy, just as he is on the touchline today. He lives every moment of the matches and passes that energy on to the players.”
Koscielny still keeps in touch with people at Arsenal, especially his former center-back partner Per Mertesacker, who now manages the academy. “I often speak with Per. We discuss young players, recruitment, and things outside football too.”
He believes their on and off-pitch relationship made their defensive partnership successful. “I see that same understanding with Gabriel and William Saliba. They complement each other well and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
Despite a controversial exit six years ago, Koscielny’s bond with the club remains. “I was 34, had spent nine years at Arsenal, and there had been a lot of discussions with the club. I wanted to return to France with my family. Relationships with some at the club had soured, though not with Unai Emery.”
His departure was also marred by Bordeaux’s announcement video where he removed an Arsenal shirt to reveal his new kit. “I understand the fans’ reaction to the video—it wasn’t my idea, and I apologized afterward. I’ve always respected the club and the fans. I grew as a player and a person there. I have a special connection to the club and the city; my children were born there. I would have given everything for the club, on and off the pitch.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Laurent Koscielnys departure from Arsenal and his role at Lorient designed to be clear and conversational
General Beginner Questions
Q Who is Laurent Koscielny
A He is a retired French professional footballer who was most famous for being a central defender and captain for Arsenal in the English Premier League for nine years
Q Why did Laurent Koscielny leave Arsenal
A He left because he felt the club was not treating him with the respect he deserved after his long service especially regarding contract discussions as he was returning from a major injury
Q How did he leave Arsenal
A He refused to go on the clubs preseason tour to force a move away which was very controversial He eventually transferred to FC Girondins de Bordeaux in 2019
Q Where is Laurent Koscielny now
A After retiring from playing he is now the Assistant Manager for the first team at FC Lorient in the French Ligue 1
Advanced Detailed Questions
Q What exactly caused his relationship with Arsenal to sour
A The relationship broke down primarily over a contract dispute Koscielny felt that after sacrificing his body for the club for nearly a decade Arsenals offer of a shortterm extension with a significant pay cut was disrespectful especially as he was rehabilitating a serious Achilles injury
Q Did the fans turn against him because of his departure
A Yes many fans were deeply disappointed and felt betrayed by his method of leaving particularly the act of refusing to travel on tour He went from being a respected captain to a figure of controversy almost overnight
Q What is his specific role as Assistant Manager at Lorient
A As Assistant Manager he works directly under the head coach His duties include helping to plan training sessions analyzing opponents providing tactical input and mentoring players especially defenders using his vast experience
Q Has he publicly reflected on his Arsenal exit
A Yes in various interviews since leaving he has expressed regret over how he left but has stood by his reasons why he felt he needed to leave He has stated it was a necessary decision for his wellbeing and career
