Gary O'Neil is quietly crafting an impressive story at Strasbourg, and tonight presents a massive test for the former Premier League manager. The BlueCo-backed club finds itself on the cusp of European glory, with a Conference League semi-final awaiting.

It was a frustrating moment when Chelsea poached Liam Rosenior from their sister club, only to dismiss him months later. That talented young coach was lost from the BlueCo system for good, having done excellent work in Ligue 1. Finding a replacement seemed daunting, but the choice of Gary O'Neil—hardly a glamorous name—has proven inspired.

The former Wolves boss has quietly excelled in Alsace. As reported in The Athletic, local journalist Dorian Faucherand noted: "He arrived in a challenging environment but has done well. The team's performance in Ligue 1 has been disappointing, but Racing doesn't have the roster to compete on three fronts." Indeed, Strasbourg have already been eliminated from the Coupe de France after a commendable run, but their European journey continues.

Now, they face Rayo Vallecano over two legs. Win that tie, and a Conference League final awaits—a remarkable achievement for a club balancing multiple competitions with a limited squad. For O'Neil, who already has Premier League credit from his time at Bournemouth and Wolves, this semi-final represents another chance to prove his managerial mettle on a bigger stage.