Strasbourg Names Hugo Oliveira as New Head Coach After O'Neil's Unexpected Exit

On Sunday, Strasbourg announced Portuguese coach Hugo Oliveira as their new manager after the surprising exit of Gary O'Neil last month.

The Englishman, O'Neil, left the Ligue 1 club for Ipswich on June 26, having only joined the French side in January. Strasbourg did not reveal how long Oliveira's contract will last. The 47-year-old arrives from Portuguese top-tier team Famalicao, marking his first role as a head coach.

"It's an honour to be here in Strasbourg and to join such a great project," Oliveira said in a statement from the club. "I want to bring emotion, create memories and give the best of myself to help the club to develop."

Oliveira spent most of his coaching career as a goalkeeping specialist, working with teams like Portugal, Everton, and Fulham, often alongside Marco Silva at the English clubs. In December 2024, he took charge at Famalicao, guiding them to a fifth-place finish in the Primeira Liga last season — their best result since returning to the top flight six years ago.

Before departing, O'Neil led Strasbourg to the Conference League semi-finals and secured eighth place in Ligue 1.

Strasbourg will kick off their Ligue 1 campaign against Marseille during the weekend of August 21-23.

• Previous Coach: Gary O'Neil (left June 26)
• New Coach: Hugo Oliveira (appointed July 14)
• Oliveira's Age: 47 years old
• Last Club: Famalicao (Primeira Liga)
• Famalicao's Last Season Finish: 5th place
• O'Neil's Strasbourg Achievements: Conference League semi-finals, 8th in Ligue 1
• Upcoming Match: Strasbourg vs. Marseille, August 21-23