Alain André Christian Perrin (born 7 October 1956) is a French professional football manager and former player. He is noted for guiding multiple clubs to promotion, winning domestic cup competitions in France, and managing the China national team at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.
Early life and playing career
Born in Lure, Haute‑Saône, France, Perrin began his youth football with Haguenau (1966–1970) before brief spells at Tomblaine (1970–1971) and AS Nancy Lorraine (1971). As a senior player he was a defender for Nancy (1971–1975) and later for Varangéville (1976–1981), returning to Nancy between 1983 and 1987. He never played at the top professional level, transitioning to coaching in his early thirties.
Coaching career
Early development
Perrin started coaching at AS Nancy Lorraine in 1983, working under Arsène Wenger as a junior coach and later managing the club’s academy.
Rise with Troyes
In 1993 he was appointed manager of Troyes AC, then a fourth‑division side. Over six seasons he achieved three successive promotions, taking the club to Ligue 1 and securing qualification for the UEFA Cup by winning the 2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup.
Marseille (2002–2004)
Perrin succeeded Bernard Tapie at Olympique de Marseille in May 2002 on a three‑year contract. He was dismissed in January 2004 after a run of poor results that left the club sixth in Ligue 1.
Al‑Ain (2004)
He briefly managed United Arab Emirates side Al‑Ain FC later that year before moving back to Europe.
Portsmouth (2005)
On 7 April 2005 Perrin took over Premier League club Portsmouth. He guided the team to a notable 4–1 victory over Southampton in the South Coast derby, helping Pompey avoid relegation. However, after only two wins in eleven matches he was sacked on 24 November 2005.
Sochaux (2006–2007)
Perrin returned to France with FC Sochaux‑Montbéliard, winning the Coupe de France in 2007.
Lyon (2007–2008)
Appointed manager of Olympique Lyonnais on 30 May 2007, he led the club to a Ligue 1 title and a Coupe de France victory in 2008, delivering a domestic double. He resigned in June 2008.
Saint‑Étienne (2008–2009)
He spent one season at AS Saint‑Étienne before leaving by mutual consent.
Qatar and the Middle East (2010–2014)
Perrin managed Al‑Khor SC (2010–2012), served as coach of Qatar’s under‑23 Olympic side (2012–2013), and later led Al‑Gharafa and Umm Salal in the Qatar Stars League.
China national team (2014–2016)
On 28 February 2014 Perrin was appointed head coach of China. He oversaw qualification for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, where China reached the knockout stage before losing to Australia. He left the post after the tournament.
Nancy (2018–2019)
Returning to AS Nancy Lorraine in October 2018, he managed the club until May 2019, when he was succeeded by Jean‑Louis Garcia.
Managerial statistics
Across his career Perrin has amassed over 500 matches as a head coach, with notable win percentages at Troyes, Sochaux and Lyon. Detailed match data are recorded in football statistical databases.
Honours
Club
- UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2001 (Troyes)
- Coupe de France: 2007 (Sochaux), 2008 (Lyon)
- Ligue 1 title: 2008 (Lyon)
Individual
- Recognised for achieving three consecutive promotions with Troyes, a rare feat in French football.
Personal life
Perrin is married and has children; outside football he holds a teaching qualification in physical education. He remains active as a consultant and occasional media commentator on French and international football matters.
