Emilien Bugeaud has resigned as the head coach of the French women’s national team.
Total Waterpolo understands that the 35-year-old, who took charge of the national team in October 2021, leaves his post due to personal reasons.
As hosts of the upcoming Olympic Games, the women’s team, which will compete for the first time at the Olympics, is currently without a coach, just two years before the world’s largest sporting event.
Prior to being named head coach of the national team, Bugeaud served as an assistant coach under Florian Bruzzo, the current head coach of the men’s national team. Over the last year, Bugeaud led France to top-eight finishes in two major competitions, including the World Championships in Budapest and the European Championships in Split.
In conjunction with coaching the senior national team, Bugeaud coached the U17 and U19 teams, and it was through his work with those squads that he was well qualified to assist in the development of the younger French players in preparation for the Olympic Games in Paris.
There was no indication that Bugeaud ever intended to leave his position, as he repeatedly stated his goal was to lead France to a podium finish at their home Olympic Games in 2024.
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