Former pro player in Reims and PSG in particular, then coach of the Champagne team and several amateur clubs, Manuel Abreu died on Tuesday in Portugal at the age of 63.
Born in Fafe (Portugal), he trained at Red Star with which he began his professional career which led him to play at Stade de Reims from 1979 to 1983, then at PSG the following season.
If there are only 6 months left at PSG by playing 13 games, Abreu participates, however, in the round of 16 round trip of the PSG Cup Cup against Juventus Turin led by Michel Platini and trained by the famous Giovanni Trapattoni.
The Parisians are eliminated against the future winner without being beaten (2-2, 0-0).
He then played in Nancy and Braga in particular.
Once his playing career ended in 1996 in Reims, he became a coach there (1996-2000).
He also manages a dozen amateur clubs including two from the Ile-de-France region, Sénart-Moissy (2008-2009) and Racing (2014-2015).
As a technician, he had again distinguished himself recently with Reims Sainte Anne, who had reached the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France in 2020 under his orders. The amateurs had narrowly lost to Montpellier (0-1).
A few months later, he was still coaching the Cormontreuil team (Regional 1) in the Marne, but he had decided to take a step back from football.
He was mentally worn out because football no longer corresponded to his values.
Very saddened by the sudden disappearance of Manu Abreu, former player and coach of @StadeDeReims and the Saint Anne club.
A man with great human qualities.
We will miss you.
Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
— Arnaud Robinet (@ArnaudRobinet) May 11, 2022
Stade de Reims issued a press release in response to this disappearance.
"It is with sadness that the SDR learned today of the disappearance of Manuel Abreu, Reims player from 1979 to 1983 and from 1993 to 1995 and coach from 1995 to 2000. To his family, his loved ones, the whole club Rouge et Blanc sends its most sincere condolences.
On Facebook, one of his former players at Sénart-Moissy (CFA) also reacted.
"It's a lump in my stomach that I have just learned of your disappearance, coach Manuel Abreu, confides Nacer Afaki.
You made me love football, your honesty and humanity will forever be in my memory.
This humble, generous and benevolent man was unanimously appreciated by many coaches, particularly in the Paris region.
"Manu my friend you are leaving us, a real handsome man", declares Philippe Lemaître,