Former Arsenal defender turned Lorient sporting director Laurent Koscielny has revealed that his decision to return to his native Brittany was largely driven by a desire to be closer to family. The 40-year-old, who spent nine years at the Emirates Stadium before leaving in 2019, says he and his wife "were keen to come back" to the region, which is known for its stunning coastline and annual Celtic music festival.
Koscielny's decision to rejoin Lorient, a club where he initially began his playing career before making the move to Arsenal in 2010, has been welcomed by fans and staff alike. The former France defender became involved with the club as a youth coach before taking on an upper management role after being relegated in 2024. He saw it as a challenge to help Lorient return to Ligue 1 for their centenary year, which they achieved via an impressive championship campaign.
As sporting director at Lorient, Koscielny is focused on investing primarily in young players, with the aim of developing talent that can be sold or loaned out. He believes it's essential to get to know each player personally and assess their motivations for joining the club. The recent signing of Ajaccio left-back Arsène Kouassi is seen as a prime example of this approach.
Koscielny has been influenced by his former Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, who he regards as a model for success in developing clubs both on and off the pitch. Wenger's emphasis on building strong relationships with players, staff, and the local community is something Koscielny has adopted at Lorient.
The Frenchman also pays tribute to the impact that Wenger had on his former team-mates, many of whom have gone on to secure managerial roles. Koscielny credits Wenger with passing on valuable experience and lessons learned during their time together at Arsenal.
Despite some promising results this season, including a draw against Paris Saint-Germain, Lorient are in a relegation battle. However, Koscielny remains optimistic about the team's chances, citing the squad's potential and the coaching staff's abilities.
Koscielny's decision to rejoin Lorient, a club where he initially began his playing career before making the move to Arsenal in 2010, has been welcomed by fans and staff alike. The former France defender became involved with the club as a youth coach before taking on an upper management role after being relegated in 2024. He saw it as a challenge to help Lorient return to Ligue 1 for their centenary year, which they achieved via an impressive championship campaign.
As sporting director at Lorient, Koscielny is focused on investing primarily in young players, with the aim of developing talent that can be sold or loaned out. He believes it's essential to get to know each player personally and assess their motivations for joining the club. The recent signing of Ajaccio left-back Arsène Kouassi is seen as a prime example of this approach.
Koscielny has been influenced by his former Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, who he regards as a model for success in developing clubs both on and off the pitch. Wenger's emphasis on building strong relationships with players, staff, and the local community is something Koscielny has adopted at Lorient.
The Frenchman also pays tribute to the impact that Wenger had on his former team-mates, many of whom have gone on to secure managerial roles. Koscielny credits Wenger with passing on valuable experience and lessons learned during their time together at Arsenal.
Despite some promising results this season, including a draw against Paris Saint-Germain, Lorient are in a relegation battle. However, Koscielny remains optimistic about the team's chances, citing the squad's potential and the coaching staff's abilities.
He must be super happy to be closer to his family, even if it means going back to a smaller club after playing in the big leagues like Arsenal 
And I love how he's focusing on developing young players and building strong relationships with staff and the local community - Wenger would be proud! 
As for Lorient being in a relegation battle, gotta feel for them... but Koscielner seems like a total pro and Im sure they'll turn it around soon 
. But I do wonder if he's taking on more than he can handle as sporting director. Nine years out of the game is a long time to make that transition. Still, it'll be interesting to see how things play out for Lorient this season 
️. Koscielny's approach to scouting and developing young players makes sense, but it's all about the results on the pitch right now 
. Can he help Lorient stay up or even push for promotion? Time will tell 
. And I love how he's paying tribute to Arsène Wenger, he was definitely a model for success in the football world, and its great that Koscielny is carrying on those values at Lorient 
its like he found his true purpose or watever 
he's all about investin in young players and gettin 2 know them on a personal level thats so admirable 
like who wouldn't want 2 see thier players happy and fulfilled? 
its all bout buildin relationships and havin a positive impact on ppl lives u feel me? 
Sounds legit, but what if he's just trying to make a move on the squad? I mean, think about all those "valuable lessons" Wenger taught him... was it just football tactics or something more? 
And now Koscielny's spreading that same "Arsène Wenger" philosophy around Lorient... too convenient. Not buying it. 
! As for Koscielny's approach as sporting director, I love that he's focusing on developing young players and building strong relationships with them... it's all about growth and community, right? 
. But hey, he's had experience with top managers like Wenger and has learned from the best. Maybe his approach to scouting young players will pay off 
.
. Koscielny seems like a super down-to-earth guy and I think he'll do great things at Lorient. The fact that they're still in a relegation battle is tough, but he's staying positive and that's what matters 
, can u believe koscielny went back to breton 
? his decision 2 rejoin lorient was all cuz he wanted 2 b close 2 fam 
& focuses on developing talent 
. lorient might b in a relegation battle now 
... lets see how da season ends! 
. also, his approach reminds me of wenger's tactics at arsenal, where he built strong relationships with players and staff. but, it's a bit surprising he took the sporting director role at lorient after spending 9 years at arsenal... maybe there was something that didn't work out? 
anyway, i'm curious to see how his approach plays out this season 
... Laurent Koscielny never played for Arsenal, he actually played for Lorient from 2008 to 2010 before moving to AS Monaco! But, like, I get it, it's a small mistake, we've all been there 
. Anyway, back to Koscielny, I think what's cool is that he's bringing his experience and expertise to Lorient as sporting director. He's really focused on developing young players and building strong relationships with the team and staff... it's like, totally Wenger-esque, you feel me? 
. Focusing on young players and getting to know them on a personal level can really make a difference in developing their talent. And it's awesome that he's carrying on Wenger's legacy by building strong relationships with the team, staff, and community 
. The fact that Lorient is back in Ligue 1 for their centenary year is definitely something to celebrate 
i mean its great that hes putting himself out there to help Lorient come back from relegation battle but omg his relationship with Ajaccio leftback Arsene Kouassi is SOOOO inspiring 
i also love how he mentions Wenger as an example of how to build strong relationships with players and staff, its clear that Koscielny has learned from his experiences at Arsenal 
anyway back to koscielny I'm hoping he can help lorient get out of relegation this season 
. that shows us that our loved ones are what truly matter in life 
... but koscielny's still got faith in the team