Ligue 1 braces for another financial crisis
By: Xavier |
12 Comments
Gervais Martel addresses the National Assembly
Dark clouds are moving over the French footballing world clocked in the guise of fiscal reform. This Thursday, the French National Assembly voted by 91 votes to 22 for the removal of the right to collective image (DIC) for professional athletes as part of its consideration of a bill funding Social Security in 2010. The DIC, introduced in 2005, authorized professional clubs to be exempt from payroll taxes for up to 30% of player salaries. The purpose was to allow football players a better tax rate in order to attract and retain better talent for Ligue 1.
Football players and other professional athletes in France stand to lose €30 million in tax allowance. Sports Minister Rama Yade, who holds the highest approval rating of any politician in France has attacked the plan as “dangerous” and “harmful to the competitiveness of French sport”.
UMP general secretary Xavier Bertrand has said that with France bidding for the 2016 European championships it was not the time to be penalising players. French football clubs for years could not challenge on a European level because they could not keep native players let alone alone attract foreigners due to France’s tax regime and the DIC had allowed an easing of this to bring in the best players and the results have begun to bear fruit in the Champions League competition of late.
He added: “Football players still contribute €130 million in taxes to the state. This plan makes no economic sense.”
Lens President Gervais Martel, alongside many of his colleagues, launched an impassioned plea at the National Assembley: “This has been done without taking the time to measure all the potential problems! The DIC has improved the situation of French professional sport through a reduction in expenses vis-a-vis other European countries. Contrary to what has been said here, this does nothing to reduce the state coffers. Players have no unfair benefits, they pay their taxes like everyone else! it is the clubs who will be penalized after today. For some, this will represent several million euros.” Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, believes that the loss to his club is estimated at around 6 million euros.
Sports Minister Rama Yade goes to bat for Ligue 1
“Thank you Ms. Bachelot,” said a sarcastic Martel, stating that unlike Sports Minister Rama Yade, Minister Bachelot has not championed the cause of professional sport in France. “We’ll be penalized in terms of financial burdens on the six months remaining. But Lens will not be the most penalized because we have already been forced to reduce our payroll. This is dramatic in a country where we talk about wages, but how soon we forget that professional sport generates returns in prepaid expenses. This is a big setback as professional sport is being sacrificed in the name of demagoguery. Its sad to say but there are many players who will leave after this.”
Ministers Roselyne Bachelot (left) and Eric Woerth (right) listen intently
But The arguments seemed to be ignored by both Ministers Eric Woerth and Roselyne Bachelot. Secretary of State for Sport Yade, absent from debates in the Assembly, was left alone to defend the DIC. The DIC “has demonstrated its effectiveness since it has helped retain and bring some professional palyers such as Rugby star Sébastien Chabal and footballer Yoann Gourcuff back to France.” Minister Yade said the reforms were “dangerous” and “potentially detrimental to the sustainable competitiveness of French sport”. The former judo star David Douillet, now a UMP deputy from Yvelines, said before his colleagues: “There are 16 million now licensed. You all have constituencies, I leave you alone to judge.”
Trouble indeed is brewing in the French footballing world….
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)
Matchday: Lens-Lorient (Stade Félix Bollaert)
By: Xavier | 10 Comments
Another tense Saturday afternoon awaits the Stade Félix Bollaert today as a surprising Lorient side arrives from the lovely seaside department of Morbihan in Brittany.
In one of many shocking surprises this season, the Lorentais stand sixth in the league table having already taken seventeen points. Master tactician Christian Gourcuff has his side playing cracking football and the father of France International star Yoann Gourcuff believes his side can accomplish some special things this season.
“We understand the context: Lens is at bay and must respond. The stage is set. In such a context, if there is also the little question about the other day (defeated at Sochaux, 1-0) It will be difficult … I can’t make assumptions about the match but we are also required to respond. Right now what I want most is a positive reaction from my team. We have our match of reference against Nice (two weeks ago Lorient-Nice: 4-1). It’s still fresh in the memory. We know what to do. ”
On the other end of the stick, rumours continue to swirl about coach Jean-Guy Wallemme. He could very well lose his post with another negative result today. Indeed, former Lens and Tunisia head coach Roger Lemerre has been present at the last few contests at the Bollaert and many believe he is next in line to try and salvage this once great club.
On the pitch Lens has struggled to piece together any kind of offensive consistency in recent weeks, scoring only twice in the league since the end of August. Meanwhile the defense has been arguably the worst in Ligue 1. A perfect storm for certain re-relegation.
Surprisingly though the Lensois have been fortunate with injuries thus far, but even this has caught up as captain Eric Chelle is now nursing a broken nose. Even so, with the complete lack of depth at center back the Mali International will be expected to suit up and play with some form of protection on his face. Rising star Samba Sow has been out with a virus, which has not been confirmed to be related to H1N1 swine flu. However, the condition will be enough to keep him out of action today. A big blow indeed as Sow has been Lens’ most spectacular player since management finally decided to bring the coveted prospect up to the first squad.
The match will be interesting if only to observe the fan reaction at the Bollaert. If Lens concedes first, look for the crowd to turn quickly on Wallemme and the players. At this point the Lens faithful are rightfully fed up with the club’s disgraceful and inexcusable decline of the past two years and have long since shed their renowned patience. `
Le Groupe Lensois: Kasraoui, Runje ; Chelle, Laurenti, Ramos, Sartre, Yahia ; Demont, Jemaa, Hermach, Kovacevic, Milovanovic, Roudet ; Akalé, Boukari, Eduardo, Maoulida, Monnet-Paquet.
Le Groupe Lorentais: F. Audard, L. Cappone ; M. Baca, B. Genton, L. Koscielny, A. Le Lan, S. Marchal, F. Sosa ; M. Amalfitano, S. Diarra, P. Ducasse, Y. Mansouri, A. Mvuemba, G. Peñalba; K. Gameiro, O. Monterrubio, M. Vahirua, J. Sakuwaha.
Viewing Options: I will update if a stream is found. Free to air satellite available through Hot Bird 8.
Stream Update:http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=53754&part=sports
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Matchday: Lens-Toulouse (Stade Félix Bollaert)
By: Xavier | 9 Comments
It seems as if all of Lens’ matches are do or die these days and Sunday’s home encounter against Toulouse is no different. The pressure on Coach Jean-Guy Wallemme is palpable in Artois and a positive result is almost required over the next few games if he is to keep his post.
Football is a funny sport and the fact that Toulouse is where it is as Lens languishes in the anxious condition of the “promoted side” speaks volumes. Just two seasons ago Toulouse barely avoided the dreaded relegation that befell Lens and effectively destroyed the venerable club as we know it. Yes that fateful final day of Ligue 1 action two years ago sealed Lens’s fate and propelled Toulouse to European spots the following year while the defeated Lensois toiled in the interminable obscurity of Ligue 2.
If Toulouse would have fallen to Antoine Kambouare’s Valenciennes on that fateful day Lens would have survived and likely rebounded with a strong campaign last year. But alas, such was not the case and Lens fans paid and are still paying for that fateful Sunday afternoon.
But football like life must go on and the current disaster of a football club at Lens must trek on and try to battle for the most humbling of football goals, “le maintien“.
And that dreadful battle continues tomorrow at a beleaguered Stade Félix Bollaert where fans are on the brink of mutiny against one of their own heroes who was once cheered from the terraces. Yes, Jean-Guy Wallemme’s historic reputation along with Daniel “druide” Leclerc’s genius are on the hot seat. And like President Gervais Martel before them they are about to feel the wrath of the long suffering fan.
At this point the Lensois have not tasted victory since beating hapless Grenoble on August 23.
That pathetic run has seen the sang et or slump to 18th in the table and winger Sebastien Roudet who returned to action last week is well aware his side must improve, starting this Sunday at the Bollaert.
“We need at least one win (from the two home games),” Roudet admitted. “It would be great if it happens on Sunday against Toulouse.
“It will not be an easy game because we know it went badly in the European Cup for them (Toulouse lost 4-0 to Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek). They will certainly want to win this game.
“Sunday’s meeting will be complicated to negotiate but we’re at home. We must put pressure on them and do everything to take the three points.
“When I was at Valenciennes a few seasons ago, we were almost invincible at home. I think there was a big solidarity and unity when you feel you have nothing to lose.
“Once the coach used a particular player, he gave 200%. He fought like a dog on the ground to do his best. There is the same feeling here in Lens but the results haven’t yet followed.
“The teams that come to Bollaert must fear us and know they will be in for a sleepless night. We must do everything possible to reverse the trend and take maximum points here.”
The only difference of course is that Valenciennes didn’t have much to lose back then whereas northern France and indeed the whole of Ligue 1 are holding their collective breath at the thought of another year without the magic of the Stade Félix Bollaert.
Le Groupe Lensois: Atrous, Runje: Demont, Chelle, Laurenti, Ramos, Sartre, Yahia: Hermach, Kovacevic, Milovanovic, Roudet, Sow: Jemaa, Akalé, Boukari, Eduardo, Maoulida, Monnet-Paquet
Le Groupe Toulousain: Y.Pelé, Blondel – Firmin, Congré, Nounkeu, M’Bengue, Ebondo – E.Didot, Braaten, Sirieix, Machado, Berson, Mou.Sissoko, E.Capoue – Tabanou, Luan, Gignac, Pentecôte, Soukouna
Viewing Options: The match will be televised on Setanta Sports at 2:00 PM ET. as a tape delay. Setanta is available through a subscription with Direct TV or Dish Network in North America.
Streaming: http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=52677&part=sports
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Charles Itandje speaks out about the debacle at Lens
By: Xavier | 3 Comments
Translated from the Bruno Rodrigues interview for France Football.
Little used in Liverpool after arriving two seasons ago, the former Lens iconic keeper Charles Itandje decided over the summer to leave the Reds to get more playing time elsewhere. And in the old Greek city of Kavala, near the sea, he finally put down his suitcases and hit the pitch. A fantastic choice it turns out, since the moderate club currently sits 5th in the league table and the former Lensois is drawing rave reviews for his goalkeeping exploits since his arrival in Greece.
Charles, how has your adjustment to Kavala been?
It’s pretty good, apart from the language which is very difficult to learn. But the club has done pretty well, despite our defeat over weekend.
You are currently 5th in the league table. What are your goals?
Staying up. The goal is to take as many points as possible until we can prove ourselves consistently. Some also speak of European places around here but we shall see about that later in the campaign. If it continues, things will look very good. We still lack a few weapons to be in the top three I think. But we are not far.
Of the five league games you’ve played three since you arrived when the season was already underway. It’s a good sign …
Yes, I played against Olympiakos away, and against two teams at home which forgive me but I don’t know their names. The last match was in the countryside, 5 hours trip, and a return through a swamp that smelled of sausages. It’s completely different, very exotic (laughs).
There are many former Ligue 1 players on your team (Ducrocq, Oruma, Douglao, Frederic Mendy). This should facilitate your integration?
Inevitably. Being alone in a country like this, it would have been much more complicated. Although everyone has his personal life off the field, when we see each other, we take pleasure in that.
What do you think of the Greek league?
There are good teams that play good football. But, tactically and physically, Ligue 1 is far superior.
And life there?
Well my routine, my free time, is simple: fishing, beach and boating … all with 27 degrees outside to boot. It’s nice, it’s a little holiday every day. Kavala is like a small Monaco.
You do not regret having gone there?
No. I am here and the team is doing very well, and I’m finally playing again. I’m here for now, so anything goes. Afterwards, we will see.
You are only on loan from Liverpool. Do you see yourself going back?
Not really, but I am under contract there.
And staying in Kavala?
We’ll see. If the team continues to do well and the management recruits some experienced players, why not? But for now, I came to find time to play and help the club establish itself. Before this season, they would never have envisioned bringing in players from Liverpool and Ligue 1.
In hindsight, do you think you made a mistake in going to Liverpool?
Not really. My situation was complicated at Lens, and I couldn’t stay there. I had already prolonged one season (2005-06) and bit the bullet for it. And then the offer from Liverpool, even as a backup, I couldn’t refuse it.
It seems you feel bitter towards Lens …
Well in that period, yes. I saw many things which I could not believe. The president Gervais Martel and the sporting director began to do whatever they wanted with no logic involved. It all started in December when they got rid of Jerome Leroy. A guy like that should never have been let go. After that, when we were competing for a champions league spot right behind Lyon others like Jussiê and Thomert also were let go. Seydou Keita, the best player in Ligue 1 at the time, also left at the end of the season. These moves alone, although problematic were only the beginning of the collapse. When the club was relegated to the second division, it hurt a lot, because Lens was the club which allowed me to thrive, so I was very attached. I did not think the end would be so tragic. But when I saw how Guillaume Warmuz left the scene, it was just history repeating itself … “.
Category: InterviewsMatchday: Lens-Monaco (Stade Louis II)
By: Xavier | 1 Comment
This is a brief preview for today’s match.
Lens already in the relegation zone after saturday’s results travels to la Rocher to take on another in form side in Guy Lacombe’s Monaco.
Lens continues to struggle miserably since returning to Ligue 1 this season. A myriad of problems are surrounding the clubhouse and President Gervais Martel has demanded a good performance today. Most Lens fans in both France and the rest of Europe are highly skeptical about the club’s current direction and many are calling for the resignation of Coach Jean-Guy Wallemme as a second nightmare descent looms large.
Many fans are pointing to the success of Montpellier, another promoted club who had been toiling for years now in Ligue 2. With seemingly less talent than Lens the club sits tied for first place in the Ligue 1 table alongside former champions Lyon.
Another nightmare season now looms in the north.
Viewing Options: <a href="http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=50906&part=sports"http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=50906&part=sports
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)William Remy signs first pro contract with Lens
By: Xavier | 1 Comment
After, Mehdi Abeid, Darnel Situ, Serge Aurier, Alexandre Coeff and Mehdi Guezoui Lens has now offered a new professional contract to one of its highly rated youngsters at La Gaillette. Reportedly, the young central defender William Remy has indeed signed a professional contract for a duration of three years. Remy was crowned champion with the France U-18s last season and this summer he has done all his pre-season preparations with the professional side of coach Jean Guy-Wallemme.
The Lens management has been encouraged with these recent signings in the wake of the Gael Kakuta fiasco. The club is now confident they can continue to bring up their homegrown talent slowly without fearing a moneyed EPL poaching in the process.
“It makes me really happy to have signed the first professional contract of my career. It has now been five or six years that I have been here at Lens and I feel very good right now”, said Remy.
“Even while signing the papers, and there are tons, I was wondering what was going on. I really couldn’t believe it. I really had trouble focusing and I confess I just turned to watch the cars in the parking lot of the Gaillette (smile). I still realize that many young players would like to be in my place.”
I have already received the congratulations of my family. In the Paris area, my parents always encouraged me to persevere. As for my family in Guadeloupe, they are absolutely thrilled. They all hope to see me on TV with the blood and gold jersey real soon.”
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Matchday: Lens-Lyon (Stade Félix Bollaert)
By: Xavier | 4 Comments
This afternoon Lens will welcome an in form Lyon side to the Stade Félix Bollaert. Coming off their worst performance of the season the sang et or look to rebound against the former French champions.
Coach Jean-Guy Wallemme has demanded a response from his team following the recent humiliation against Le Mans, but is well aware they could hardly face tougher opponents than Lyon on Saturday.
Coach Wallemme revealed to the press that he convened a special meeting of his players following last week’s debacle, and told them to stand up for themselves.
“Its about being men and it has to be settled among men,” he said. “I think we are mature enough, there is enough complicity between us and enough honesty to solve these problems.
“You have to talk about these things openly. It is through communication that we solve problems and find solutions here.”
Compounding problems for the northern giants were news reports that keeper Vedran Runje continues to be a problematic presence in the clubhouse. Indeed, L’Equipe has reported that goal keeping coach Michel Ettorre is on the verge of quitting the club if things do not improve with regards to Runje’s attitude.
The Croatian keeper has been highly critical of coach Wallemme’s tactics of late, particularly regarding the starting eleven. Coach Ettorre suggested that this may explain Runje’s recent nonchalant play which has left much to be desired.
Other quarrels were reported between Issam Jemaa and Kanga Akale and between Nenad Kovacevic and Toifilou Maoulida who came to blows arguing last weeks disaster at Le Mans.
But coach Wallemme insists there is no crisis, as they sit 13th in the table, and he believes the club can rally to give Lyon a strong challenge on Saturday.
“If this was mission impossible, we would stay at home,” he said. “The challenge is to regain our strength so we can compete with them and grab the points. We know they have talent but we must be ourselves and execute.”
Coach Wallemme may not be counting on rising star Razak Boukari as he is the only injury doubt with a sore ankle, but he is nevertheless expected to be available for now.
Lyon coach Claude Puel is facing a long list of potential forfeits. Cleber Anderson has been out and is expected to be sidelined until January with a shoulder injury, while Lisandro Lopez remains out (adductors) and Cesar Delgado is still about a week away from returning.
France international defender Jean-Alain Boumsong, former Lille star Michel Bastos and the Brazilian Ederson are all battling to recover from nagging injuries, while red hot France International Bafetimbi Gomis and Miralem Pjanic are expected to play. Another former Lillois Mathieu Bodmer has returned to the training grounds, but will be out suspended today.
More information on Lyon can be found on the Lyon Offside run by my good friend John and Inara.
Le Groupe Lensois: Kasraoui, Runje; Chelle, El Adoua, Laurenti, Ramos, Sartre, Yahia, Demont; Doumeng, Hermach, Kovacevic, Milovanovic, Sow; Akalé, Boukari, Maoulida, Monnet-Paquet, Jemaa, Eduardo
Le Groupe Lyonnais: Lloris, Vercoutre; Cris, Seguin, Réveillère, Clerc, Cissokho, Kolodziejczak; Toulalan, Källström, Gonalons, Pjanic, Bastos, Ederson, Grenier; Govou, Belfodil, Tafer, Gomis.
Viewing Options: The game will be televised on Setanta Sports in north America and the UK. Setanta is available in the US through a satellite subscription with Direct TV or Dish Network.
Streaming: http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=50894&part=sports
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Matchday: Lens-Le Mans (Stade Léon-Bollée)
By: Xavier | 3 Comments
Lens travels to the lovely city of Le Mans today. More famous for its motor sports than its football people tend to forget that a pretty interesting football club has been making steady progress in Ligue 1 in recent years.
On Sunday MUC will be looking to halt a run of three successive Ligue 1 defeats, while their opponents have also not won in three, but at least in that period they have gathered two points.
The home side won the corresponding league fixture 3-2 last season but also suffered a 5-4 defeat to Lens in the semi-finals of the 2008/9 Coupe de la Ligue after a monster performance by Sidi Keita for the Lensois.
Lens needed extra-time to beat Montpellier 4-3 in the midweek cup action, which frustrated coach Jean-Guy Wallemme.
Wallemme said: “The best way to prepare for the trip to Le Mans was to get past Montpellier. We would have liked to negotiate our way past them with the same result but without the extra-time, but we’re not going to downplay a win.”
Wallemme is wary of the height of the Le Mans players and has warned his players to be careful when defending set-pieces, and to guard against the craft of Anthony Le Tallec and the explosiveness of Modibo Maiga.
He added: “We’ll need to get in the best possible shape to get a result (at Le Mans) because it’s an important match for us – the most important of the week.”
Look for Le Mans to come out strong and go right after the three points early.
Le Groupe Lensois: Kasraoui, Runje; Chelle, El Adoua, Laurenti, Ramos, Sartre, Yahia; Demont, Jemaa, Hermach, Kovacevic, Milovanovic, Sow; Akalé, Boukari, Eduardo, Maoulida, Monnet-Paquet, Jemaa
Le Groupe Manceau: Ovono, Roche ; Baal, Cerdan, Corchia, Geder, Andrade, Louvion, Camara ; Thomas, Goulon, Keita, Estigarribia, Loriot, Sène ; Le Tallec, Maïga, Helstad, Lamah.
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Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Matchday: Northern Derby Lens-Lille 09′ (Stade Félix Bollaert)
By: Xavier | 2 Comments
Always seen as the match of the year in northern France, the clasico in pas-de-Calais, if you will. This Sunday, September 20, 2009 will mark another special day in the history of Lens and Lille. And this particular clash comes in an interesting period for the both clubs as Lille finds itself at the bottom half of the table having picked up their first league victory last week against Sochaux.
Lille head man Rudy Garcia is hoping those results has finally gotten their season going and they can now push forward, starting today at their fierce northern rivals.
“We’re approaching our next match at Lens with the desire to continue our run started against Sochaux,” he said.
“If we want to get back into the top half of the table, we have to start by getting a good result at our neighbours.
“Because even above this desire to get a good run, we wish to recover on our travels those points we lost at home at the beginning of the season.
“We’re going to the Bollaert with that in our minds.”
Lens in the meantime are coming off their worst performance of the season at Montpellier. The ridiculous showing at the Stade de la Mosson last week produced a 1-0 defeat and prompted club President Gervais Martel to blast his club for what he considered at match “worthy of Ligue 2″.
Lens coach Jean-Guy Wallemme also slammed his players following the defeat and has called for an immediate response.
“If we want to be positive about it, we can say that we couldn’t have done worse,” he said.
“We have to also remind ourselves that, even if Montpellier won and are currently well placed in the table, it’s not as if we were up against a great team.
“We have a clear path in our minds. Lille will obviously try to prevent us but we will give try, with regards to the non-performance at Montpellier, to retain that lesson and do something positive.”
Look for a tough physical battle from both sides at the expense of technical brilliance.
Sebastien Roudet, Geoffrey Doumeng and Samuel Atrous are all still out injured. Kanga Akalé will be on the first team once again as he continues to progress towards his reintegration to the first team.
Le groupe Lensois: Kasraoui, Runje; Chelle, Hermach, Laurenti, Ramos, Sartre, Yahia; Akalé, Demont, Jemaa, Kovacevic, Milovanovic, Sow; Boukari, Eduardo, Maoulida, Monnet-Paquet.
Le groupe Lillois: Butelle, Mouko: Béria, Chedjou, Debuchy, Emerson, Vandam, Rami: Balmont, Cabaye, Dumont, Mavuba, Cabaye, Obraniak, Hazard: Vittek, L.Touré, Frau, Gervinho, E.Aubameyang
Viewing Options: The game will be shown on Setanta Sports. The channel is available through satellite subscription with Direct TV or Dish Network. Available in Europe through Canal Plus (subscription). Also available free to air through Hot Bird 8 satellite.
Streaming Option: http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=48805&part=sports
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)Matchday: Lens-Montpellier (Stade de la Mosson)
By: Xavier | 8 Comments
Lens is back in action today at the Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier. Last year’s Ligue 2 meeting between both sides concluded in a victory for the Lensois. Today’s match figures to be a tightly fought contest as both clubs stand near the top of the Ligue 1 table.
“This will be a completely different match,” said the Lens forward Razak Boukari. “They are also on a good start, a good dynamic.
“I think this will be a difficult match because they have caused a lot of problems for the teams they have faced.
“But we are capable of doing good things there. We will try to go get the points.”
Hamdi Kasraoui will finally take his place in the squad after work visa issues, while Sebastien Roudet and Toifilou Maoulida are sidelined with injuries.
Ivory Coast international Kanga Akalé has returned to the squad after staying on over the transfer period.
Le groupe Lensois: Kasraoui, Runje ; Chelle, Hermach, Laurenti, Sartre, Yahia ; Akalé, Demont, Doumeng, Jemaa, Kovacevic, Milovanovic, Sow ; Boukari, Eduardo, Joseph-Monrose, Maoulida, Monnet-Paquet.
Le groupe Montpelliérains: Jourdren, Pionnier; Yanga-Mbiwa, Dzodic, Spahic, El Kaoutari, Collin, Jeunechamp; Marveaux, Lacombe, Delaye, Dernis, Pitau, Ait-Fana, Costa, Belhanda; Compan, Montaño, Camara
Viewing Options: None in North America. If a stream appears I will update. Viewing in Europe is through a paid subscription to Canal Plus. Free to Air available through Hot Bird 8.
Category: l'actualité (Matches and More)
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