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National: "He responded in the best possible way," Gaëtan Courtet at Valenciennes, a brace and all is forgiven Booed off the pitch two weeks ago and suspended by the club for throwing his shirt down as he left the field, Gaëtan Courtet responded with pride, scoring twice in three minutes to give Valenciennes a 2-1 victory over Caen. A deft touch from the poacher on a cross from Daou Diomande (41st minute) after a pass from Alexi Koum just flashed past him. And then, less than five minutes later, perfectly positioned at the far post on another Koum cross (44th minute), he calmly doubled the lead. Gaëtan Courtet could even have added to his tally with a volley had he not collided with Thibault Maréchal in the box just before opening the scoring. In just a few minutes, the Valenciennes striker bagged a brace that propelled Valenciennes to victory and put him back in the spotlight for what he does best: scoring goals. The experienced 37-year-old striker declined to comment on his performance, but it speaks for itself, allowing him to forget a turbulent two weeks and silence his critics. Two weeks ago, during a lackluster match against Saint-Brieuc, he was booed off the pitch and subjected to some highly inappropriate insults before throwing his shirt to the ground. His swift apology on social media didn't prevent the club from punishing him: while his teammates secured a draw against Paris 13 Atletico last week, Courtet stayed home. Punished. "A guy who doesn't cheat." This time, none of that. A brace, then, but also a well-deserved ovation from the Hainaut crowd twenty minutes from the end of the match. A just reward for his two goals and his complete performance, full of commitment and selflessness. During his long career, Gaëtan Courtet has seen his share of challenges, but there was a touch of revenge in this brace, which validated VAFC's strong first half and proved once again that strikers of his caliber are truly a breed apart. "He's a guy who doesn't cheat; if there's one person who gives his all, it's him. At 37, he's impeccable. Last weekend, he wasn't in the squad, but he was the first to urge us to bring back a result from Paris," praised Samir Belloumou. "When a striker scores a little less, we know it's difficult, but he was always there, never gave up. He's been rewarded, and that benefits everyone." “He responded in the best possible way,” confirmed Daou Diomande, who provided the assist for the first goal. “The fans might not always realize it, but he’s always there to motivate us. He’s a very valuable person in the locker room.” On the pitch, his performance was also noteworthy, and his show of pride came at just the right time for Valenciennes, giving them some breathing room at the bottom of the table. A few smiles were also welcome, and the Pierre Blois-Rudy Mater duo emerged victorious in their first match at the Stade du Hainaut. Four points in two games is certainly not insignificant this season. VALENCIENNES – CAEN: 2-1 (2-0) 6,152 spectators Goals: Courtet (41st, 44th) for Valenciennes, Hafid (77th) for Caen Yellow card: Rouaï (52nd) for Valenciennes VAFC: Louchet; Niakate, Passi, Coeff, Koum; Belloumou (captain) (Landre 83rd); D. Diomande (Appuah 68th), Maréchal (Boissier 68th); Rouaï; El Hadary (Ipiele 83rd), Courtet (Abi 72nd). Assistant: Pierre Blois CAEN: Mandrea; Labonne (Etuin 58th), Gaucho, Sagnan, Kimboma (Morante 72nd); Hafid, Botella, Mvilla, Rajot (Mazie 58th); Gnandouillet (Portut 68th), Dali-Amar (Duville 58th). Etr: Gaël Clichy

“Proud to have delivered the victory,” Valenciennes slowly but surely warms up the Hainaut stadium Boosted by their team’s performance, the stands at the Hainaut stadium, despite the absence of the ultras, played their part in VA’s victory against Caen. The Caen supporters were the most vocal, having descended on the Hainaut stadium in force on Saturday afternoon, numbering 400, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Malherbe Normandy Kop. But the way the match unfolded, the team’s performance, and the three points earned by Valenciennes have, to some extent, improved relations with the stands. These stands were once again deserted by the ultras, as has been the case at every match since the end of December and the disturbances during the Sochaux game. The atmosphere is inevitably suffering, but it’s slowly warming up, and the Northerners appreciated the support, especially at the end of the match, as they held onto a precious victory after Caen had pulled it back to 2-1. “Towards the end, it was a bit tough for us, we were tired, but they encouraged us and that helped us keep going,” said captain Samir Belloumou. “It pushed us to make the effort to defend well.” “It’s pure joy.” From the sidelines, Pierre Blois, who has seen his fair share of matches from the stands, also appreciated this support, which he hopes will continue. “We need to bring everyone along with us,” the interim coach reminded everyone. “We know that if we give our all on the pitch, it will only get better and better. We’re proud to have given them this victory. It’s pure joy for everyone, but this victory is also for our supporters.” Who are eager to do it again.

Come on you Red and come on you Saint's !

End match friends ! Win 2-1 ! I'm Happy ! ❤️🤍

Hello everyone, Match day today! We're hosting Stade Malherbe Caen at 3:00 PM French time. A team considered "professional," like Valenciennes or Sochaux this season, the Normans are rediscovering a league they haven't played in for about twenty years. The Norman players are therefore familiar with the toughness of this league, which is as complex as it is unpredictable, where the big teams face challenges every weekend. The first leg ended in a 0-0 draw. Here's the YouTube link to this afternoon's match: Allez VA !

Yesterday was the pre-match press conference, and here are the key takeaways from Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater: Pierre Blois: - Regarding the week of training: "Overall, it went quite well. It's a continuation of last week's work. The group worked rather well, benefiting from an extra day due to the match being rescheduled for today." - Coaching style: "I was able to implement my ideas, work on the group dynamics both on and off the field, with the added objective of addressing areas for improvement." - Reflecting on the match against Paris 13 Atletico: "We worked on the mindset, commitment, and values we wanted to apply in this match, and I think the players responded well in that regard." - The refereeing rule that led to the penalty: "I reviewed the footage and consulted the rules, which I wasn't familiar with, and I think even the referee..." "I didn't know her either, and in the end the referee made the right decision. It will be a lesson for us and also for Sakhalou Niakaté (the player responsible for the foul)." - Stade Malherbe Caen: "A very good team, with players of a higher level (Ligue 2/Ligue 1), the team that has the most possession in this league, with several possible tactics. They won't be easy to play against, but we know they also have weaknesses." - The message to the players before this match: "Maintain the mindset and values shown in recent days. I hope this will be a foundation for our work, and for the rest of the season, I also hope the players will do 'more' on the pitch." - Context of the match (the anniversary of Caen's largest supporters' group, celebrating its 30th anniversary today, with over 400 fans expected to travel): "We will also need our supporters for this match. I..." I'm a local guy, I remember the incredible atmosphere at Stade Nungesser (VAFC's former stadium), and if I have one message to share, it's "come to the stadium, come support your team, we need you, come with your scarves and your red and white jerseys." - The squad for this afternoon: "Celestin Nyembe is injured (a young player from the B team), otherwise, all the players are available." Rudy MATER: Press article below. National: "It's urgent!" Rudy Mater, an absolute icon and outspoken leader, is shaking things up at Valenciennes. The club's all-time leading capped player (389 matches), Rudy Mater has been assisting Pierre Blois on the bench since Stéphane Moulin's departure. He brings the same ingredients that made him a unique defender: character, pride, and immense love for the club. His testimonial match in the spring drew 8,000 people to the Stade du Hainaut, more than ten years after his playing career ended. The message he posted on social media after being appointed to lead the team alongside Pierre Blois on February 17th was met with overwhelming approval: several thousand likes and hundreds of glowing comments praising his fighting spirit. In Valenciennes, the difficulties of recent years have only intensified the nostalgia for the lost paradise of the club's glory days in Ligue 1, and seeing Rudy Mater at the forefront is a breath of fresh air for all those who love the club. "RUDY, THE CHILD WHO BECAME THE LEGEND OF VALENCIENNES" In the spring, Rudy Mater's testimonial match drew 8,000 people to the Stade du Hainaut. - PHOTO THIERRY TONNEAUX LA VOIX DU NORD The most capped player in Valenciennes' history (389 matches), with whom he experienced the fantastic rise from the National league to Ligue 1, Mater is a legend, an absolute icon. Proof of this is that even Pierre Blois, 31, whom he is assisting in this interim role, which will enter its second chapter on Saturday against Caen, was moved by the former defender. "It's a real honor to work with him; I wore his jersey in the stands when I was young," he admits. “We can’t be complacent.” There they are, side by side on the bench, “for a mission, a war,” which they intend to leave their mark on. Rudy Mater isn’t there by chance: his presence and outspokenness are assets to be used quickly. Shaped at Dutemple, tenacious and generous on the right wing when he was a player, capable of throwing a few punches at halftime with Abdes Ouaddou under the watchful eye of Antoine Kombouaré, he’s also there to tell it like it is. “It’s urgent. When you’re five points from relegation, you can’t be complacent; you have to get points quickly,” he summarizes. “I’m in fighting mode to pass on the values. We’re in a city of hard workers, and that’s what we’re trying to instill in the kids. We’ll be uncompromising on fighting spirit.” Whether people like it or not. “Because you have to be able to talk things through and put your pride aside if it’s for the good of the team.” “The ultimate goal is to one day be in charge of the first team.” The message is decidedly ambitious, and while it’s not a guarantee of results, in the context of the club’s history, it’s still impressive to see Rudy Mater on the bench. He’s currently assisting Pierre Blois, just as he previously assisted Faruk Hadzibegic, but the idea of one day being at the helm of his lifelong club is gradually taking shape. After discovering coaching with the U18s in his hometown of Dutemple, and honing his skills at La Sentinelle, he returned to Valenciennes several years ago and was in charge of the U18s this season. He’ll need to obtain the necessary coaching qualifications, but the path seems clear. “The ultimate goal is to one day be in charge of the first team,” he admits. “Because that adrenaline rush, that little knot in your stomach before matches, that’s what keeps us going.” Rudy Mater has formed a coaching duo with Pierre Blois on the Valenciennes bench since Stéphane Moulin's departure. - PHOTO SAMI BELLOUMI LA VOIX DU NORD. While waiting to get there permanently, there’s this interim period to experience, which should further fuel his passion. Day to day, he draws inspiration from those around him: Pierre Blois, of course, but also David Jacqmin, with whom he led the Gambardella Cup team, Simon Raux, the academy director, and Boris Schueller, the U16 coach. There will also be a bit of Daniel Leclercq, Antoine Kombouaré, and Philippe Montanier, who so greatly influenced his path, within him on the sidelines. “I told the players it was an honor to be with them, and I want it to become a source of pride.” Like the pride he always felt while wearing the Valenciennes jersey. VAFC – Caen, Saturday 3pm at the Stade du Hainaut

Maxence Flachez, Oswald Tanchot: What are the options for Valenciennes' next coach? Once again in search of a coach mid-season, VA must quickly find a qualified manager capable of meeting the challenge. Maxence Flachez and Oswald Tanchot, in particular, fit the profile. Who will be Valenciennes' next coach, incidentally – or perhaps not – the seventh to take the reins since Sport Republic's arrival in June 2023? This at least adds a bit of suspense to VAFC's season. Since the sporting stakes have disappeared, except for avoiding the catastrophe of relegation to the National 2, the identity of the future boss at least adds some spice to the current campaign. One thing is certain: he will need his coaching qualifications (the BEPF) to be authorized to coach in the National league and prevent Valenciennes, currently undergoing restructuring, from having to pay a fine of €7,500 per match, totaling €90,000 by the end of the season. Flachez knows the National league well Free agent and qualified, Maxence Flachez ticks several boxes. The 53-year-old coach, who spent two seasons with Valenciennes as a player (2005-2007), has maintained some ties and fond memories of his time at the club. Above all, he is well-versed in the challenges of the National league. Unlike Stéphane Moulin, who discovered a world very different from what he knew, Flachez has extensive experience in the third tier. He played for Châteauroux (2022-2023) and then Aubagne and Paris 13 Atletico, spanning the last two seasons. Two short-lived experiences, but the former Valenciennes player learned to fight in far less favorable circumstances than at Valenciennes. This experience proved invaluable in sparking a comeback at the end of the season. Tanchot, an appealing profile Oswald Tanchot's profile is also being closely examined. The 52-year-old coach, originally from Mayenne, is a veteran of Ligue 2 benches (Le Havre, Amiens, Grenoble, Sochaux) and is eager to get back into the game. Without a club since leaving Grenoble in December 2024, he is on the lookout for a new challenge. "If they call me tomorrow, I'm ready to go again," he told Ouest-France at the end of last year. Among the similar profiles of qualified coaches currently available are Frédéric Bompard and Nicolas Usai. But on Saturday against Caen, it will once again be the duo of Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater at the helm.

Hello friends, I hope you are all well. News from Valenciennes today. No match tonight, contrary to usual, as the match will exceptionally take place tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. French time, with Stade Malherbe Caen visiting the Stade du Hainaut. In other news, after the draw at Paris 13 Atletico, the club is still looking for a new manager, with few leaks and few names circulating at the moment. The duo of Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater will still be on the bench tomorrow. The club has 30 days to find a coach without having to pay a fine of €7,500 per match (approximately £6,600). Below is a press article about tomorrow's match. Have a great day, everyone. Allez VA !

Congratulations for the victoiry tonight ! All is possible ! COYR ! ❤️🤍

5 wtf 😅🔥

Go play all match Tuesday 😅😅

4 🔥🔥

Good half Time really ! Let's go Saint's ! 💪

And two ! 🔥🔥❤️🤍

GOALLLLLL 🔥❤️🤍