Stade Reims stars are set to resume their training session this Wednesday, August 6, 2025, after an intense eleven-day preseason tour in Japan.

The session held as part of the team’s preparations for the Ligue 2 campaign saw Reims feature in four friendly ties in an action-packed tour.

Following the conclusion, the club flew out of the Asian country on August 2, 2025, before proceeding on a three-day break.

The club is scheduled to resume preparations for the new season with just a week away from the start of the French Ligue 2 league.

“The players will return to the Raymond Kopa Life Centre on Wednesday to prepare for the first official match of the season, against Amiens,” the club statement confirmed.

Friendlies in Japan

During the Japan tour, Reims kicked off the clash against Montedio Yamagata, a J.League 2 side, on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

The clash saw coach Karel Geraerts rotating his squad by fielding two different starting elevens during the match. After a sterile first half, the Red and Whites finally gave in at the end of the match, losing by a goal to the hosts.

A second clash saw Reims fall to another defeat, this time against the fancied Kashiwa Reysol team.

Trailing at halftime, the Red and Whites conceded a second goal before reducing the deficit from a penalty spot thanks to Reda Khadra. Despite the defeat (1-2), this second test allowed the team to gain momentum, increase playing time, and strengthen their collective reflexes.

The team’s final test match came in the shape of Gamba Osaka, currently 10th in the J-League 1 championship.

The six-time French champions sealed their preseason tour in Japan with a 2-1 victory over Gamba Osaka on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

The Kenyan international was among the players who featured for the clash as starters, joining the team’s mainstays who committed to the Reds following the relegation disappointment at the end of the 2024/25 season.

First win

Despite making a poor start by conceding in the first minute against the J-League side, Reims mounted a spirited fight to edge the team comprising notable stars like Senegalese Képrine Diatta.

Malta international midfielder Teddy Teuma delivered a standout performance, scoring the match winner after Zabi had restored parity for Karel Geraerts’ men.

The midfielder scored the winner with a brilliant strike from distance midway through the second half.

With the preseason concluded, the Ligue 2 campaign begins for Stade Reims on Monday, August 11, when they face Amiens SC in their opening fixture.

Reims relegated

The former Chemelil Sugar and KAAGent defender will be plying the French league after Reims were relegated from Ligue 1 following a crushing playoff defeat to Metz at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Reims, who finished 16th in the league, were forced into a relegation-promotion playoff. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the return fixture ended in heartbreak as Metz triumphed 3-1 after extra time, winning 4-1 on aggregate to reclaim their Ligue 1 status.

Okumu, who joined Reims in 2023, was a regular throughout the season, making 28 appearances and scoring once. Despite his consistent performances, the team struggled to maintain form, culminating in a disappointing finish to the campaign. They also lost the French Cup final to Paris Saint-Germain just days before their playoff collapse.