Former Toulouse Football Club striker Cédric Fauré is returning to the Toulouse area to begin a new chapter as a coach. The Toulouse native, who made his mark at TFC in the early 2000s, is taking charge of the team at Fonsorbes, as reported by La Dépêche on Wednesday. This homecoming comes as the professional club, currently 17th in Ligue 1 with just one point from three games, prepares for a key away fixture at Lorient this weekend.
What was Cédric Fauré's career at TFC?
Cédric Fauré joined Toulouse Football Club in 2001 at the age of 22, arriving from Balma SC. He stepped into a club that had just suffered an administrative relegation to the third tier, National 1. The striker quickly found his footing, scoring 11 goals in that division. His contribution was key to the club's immediate promotion, securing the National 1 championship title. The following season, Fauré confirmed his status in Ligue 2, finishing as the division's top scorer with 20 goals. This performance propelled Les Pitchoun to a second consecutive title and promotion to Ligue 1.
The top-flight adventure was more mixed for the attacker. Under manager Erick Mombaerts, he still managed to score 10 goals during the 2003-2004 season. "I was told I had a bad season." he reflects on the evolution of the transfer market.
Why is he returning to coach in the region now?
After twenty-two years away, Cédric Fauré felt the pull of home. "I wanted to come back to live in the region. Since I left in 2004, it's been 22 years now." he explains. The presence of his grandparents, aged 89 and 90, and his parents in the area influenced his decision. His coaching experience, built over five years at Tournefeuille, Mulhouse, and even in Belgium, now leads him to Fonsorbes. He describes himself as a "young coach" with a clear philosophy. "The relationship is very important, it's even something fundamental for me." he believes, highlighting the multiple roles a coach must play as "trainer, psychologist, mate… father too."
What is his view on the current TFC?
The former player observes the evolution of his boyhood club with both admiration and criticism. He notes a clear increase in its profile. "The club has grown in stature. For marketing, even for filling the Stadium, the enthusiasm… something is really happening with TFC." he says. However, he has reservations about the youth academy, which he believes is less productive than in his day. "I think the academy was stronger before than it is today... There are teams dropping down to the Regional level." This assessment comes during a tough sporting period for the first team, which has conceded five goals while scoring only two so far this season and already sits eight points behind leaders Monaco.
What are his coaching ambitions?
Cédric Fauré sees his time at Fonsorbes as a stage for passing on knowledge. "That's what I'm doing here, at Fonsorbes," he states, wanting to share the understanding he gained on the pitch. His longer-term ambition is clear: to reintegrate into the professional world. "It's an objective. I have almost all the diplomas, I'm missing one." For now, he focuses on his regional mission while TFC must refocus on competition. Fans can track the club's situation and its full fixture list on our site. The next challenge for the Violets is a trip to face 8th-placed Lorient on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
