ChristopheVAFC

You know, dear compatriots, if football were all about investing millions and winning everything instantly, we would know about it. How long did it take QSI to win the Champions League since they arrived, for example? Once again, name me one investor and/or interested party who would agree to: - reimburse SR a minimum of €50 million? - take charge of the club amid the uncertainty of French football (declining TV rights)? - accept losing money every year because, whether in National 1 or Ligue 3, clubs earn very little money, if any! I'm not sure that Patrick Partouche, for example, would be willing to put up that kind of money, even if he loves the club! No one here in Valenciennes is happy with this situation, neither the owner, nor the employees, nor the managers, nor the supporters, and you will read on this forum (which you only visit to express your hatred for SR, by the way) that I am not happy with this situation either and that I want only one thing, which is for the club to do well and for the project to succeed. Talking about the number of coaches and players, yes, there have been a lot, and yes, SR has made mistakes, but everyone makes mistakes, even you and me! Whether you like it or not, once again, they're not leaving. They didn't negotiate two years with EZ to leave like that, like thieves. They're taking responsibility, and they'll continue to do so for as long as they're here. If it helps to reassure you, I am not paid by anyone at the club. I have an employer who pays me well, and I want for nothing. And yes, I did say at the outset that I would give SR three years to prove himself, because we gave EZ three years to prove himself, and in the end, EZ stayed for 11 years, so I'm giving SR 11 years. That's only logical, isn't it? Once again, I thought that debating with you would make sense, but I realise that we will never agree. I leave you to your confusion and anger. I am thinking about the club and its interests, and whether you agree with me or not, today SR has the club in its hands and they are the only ones who can decide its future. A word to the wise!

As I suspected, my openly anti-SR compatriot had to post this information. In fact, he has been very quiet for the past three weeks! It's true that earning seven points in three matches is quite remarkable! 🤣 This was to be expected, and there is nothing surprising about the ‘economic social plan’ currently being implemented. Even if, admittedly, it is basically their fault, due to poor recruitment choices and the relegation to National 1, there has been ‘overstaffing’ in certain areas. The objective for the moment is to reduce costs and adjust staffing levels. This is a common procedure in French companies when they are living beyond their means. SR will not be leaving, either in the short or medium term, because, on the one hand, the buyer would have to put at least €50 million on the table, and it is not certain that many are capable of doing so today. 🤭 I gave Zdziech 11 years to prove himself, and I would give SR 11 years to prove himself, except that EZ manages the club with other people's money and SR mismanages his own money. 😎 So yes, it's a shame, it's sad, but sometimes you have to take a step back to take a bigger leap forward 🤫

Hello friends, I hope you are all well? I wanted to congratulate you warmly on yesterday's qualification at Fulham. Great work from the GOAT, Mr Tonda. I am impressed and very happy for you and your current results. Everything is still possible for you, and I sincerely hope that the momentum will continue until the end of the season! COYR ! 🔴⚪

Very good times, really !

VAFC: Confidence gives wings to Daou Kader Diomandé Starting for the third consecutive time under the duo of Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater, Kader Diomandé repaid the faith shown in him by scoring a goal and providing an assist this Friday in Villefranche. A complete performance. It's amazing how confidence can change a player! Having already provided an assist last week against Caen, Daou Kader Diomandé did it again this Friday evening, setting up Bryan Passi for the equalizer in the second half when VA were trailing 2-1, before scoring his own goal, his first since joining Valenciennes. The former Paris 13 player took his chance, and what's more, with his left foot, which isn't his strongest. "I saw that my opponent was anticipating my pace a lot, so I decided to cut inside and unleash a shot." Sometimes you have to take a chance, and this time it went in, I'm proud. I think it will encourage me to use my left foot more. His first season in Hainaut had been a rollercoaster. "Before, I knew that if I wasn't at my best, I'd be out. I'm trying to find some consistency. In the last three matches, I think there's been improvement in that regard." He feels that the new coaching staff is ready to give him a chance, even though Pierre Blois admitted afterward that he and Rudy Mater had been very close to not starting the 22-year-old from the Paris region, whose final training session the day before the match hadn't gone well. They changed their minds, and it was a good thing they did!

National League: A successful interim period, everyone raises a glass for Valenciennes! The interim period led by Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater at the helm of VAFC is progressing perfectly. This Friday, the team traveled to Villefranche-sur-Saône, a week after beating Caen, to secure their second away win of the season (2-3). It feels good! History doesn't record whether the Valenciennes players brought along a case of Beaujolais to celebrate their victory (2-3), their second away win of the season – there was the one obtained in Rouen before Stéphane Moulin left – but it would have been worthwhile, given the region's wealth of wines. This success primarily validates the fantastic work that Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater are currently undertaking. The interim side have just earned seven points in two matches and are emerging from their slump. Valenciennes now have a nine-point cushion over sixteenth place (currently held by QRM) before a week of watching the other teams play – they have a bye in the next round. So, things are looking up for Valenciennes on the pitch, even if they were briefly haunted by their past struggles, finding themselves down 2-1 at halftime despite having opened the scoring and dominated the first forty-five minutes. "We were very strong together," "When we went into the locker room, they (Valadois) must have had two or three shots on goal, and we had I don't know how many," observed Bryan Passi, who scored twice that evening. It reminded him of the matches against Orléans or Saint-Brieuc, "where we had the ball, the chances, and we couldn't score." This (Friday) evening, we managed to turn things around. We were very strong together, in our effort, in our defensive unit, we stayed united, we followed the game plan from start to finish. Above all, we didn't panic. Pierre Blois knew just what to say to keep his players united. "We had to instill confidence in them, tell them to keep doing what they were doing. Because, without realizing it, we were creating chances, but I think we were missing that penultimate and final touch." The touches they did make to make the difference were simply magnificent. Bryan Passi wasn't too happy that the corner in the 58th minute wasn't taken directly, but when the ball came to him, for what would be his second goal, he managed to keep his direct opponent away from the trajectory. "The shot came out the way it came out, it was completely out of bounds." Volley, goal. The goal scored four minutes later by Kader Diomandé, to seal the victory, wasn't bad either. The former Paris 13 player opted to cut inside and try his luck with his left foot, something unusual for him. It certainly gave him ideas for the future. An inspiration? No, an aspiration. And the entire Valenciennes team eagerly embraced it. VILLEFRANCHE-BEAUJOLAIS – VALENCIENNES: 2-3 (2-1). Armand-Chouffet Stadium. Referee: Mr. Chamel. Goals: Leye (10th), Assef (45th + 2) for Villefranche; Passi (9th, 58th), K. Diomandé (62nd) for Valenciennes. Leye of Villefranche was sent off (80th). Warnings for Villefranche: Leye (44th, 80th), Keita (46th); for Valenciennes: Louchet (43rd), K. Diomandé (77th), Koum (88th). Villefranche: Péan; Bayeye, Tshibuabua, Dekoke (captain), Grippon (Louzif, 75th); Assef (Testud, 75th), Mroivili (Sbai, 84th), Keita (Marcel, 75th), Sabihi (Kena Kebaya, 89th); Mixtur, Leye. Coach: Fabien Pujo. Valenciennes: Louchet; Niakaté, Passi, Coeff, Koum; Rouaï, Belloumou (captain, Appuah, 70th), Maréchal (Boissier, 84th); K. Diomandé (Landre, 90+1), Courtet (Abi, 84), El Hadary (Takaoka, 84). Coach: Pierre Blois

The match has just ended in Villefranche. Valenciennes wins 3-2. Goal summary: 8th minute: VA opens the scoring with a free kick into the box and Bryan Passi scores with a header (0-1). 9th minute: On the kick-off, the home side equalises with a breakthrough and a shot under the bar that leaves Jean Louchet with no chance (1-1). 45+2nd minute: The home side took the lead just before half-time (2-1). Half-time: Villefranche 2-1 VAFC 57th minute: Bryan Passi scored his second goal to equalise for VA with a curling shot from inside the box (2-2). 63rd minute: Valenciennes took the lead thanks to Ahmed Diomandé. (2-3) End of the match: Villefranche 2-3 VAFC! Allez VA !!

VAFC: "All my career, I've adapted," Alex Coeff, versatility in action Alexandre Coeff has primarily played in central defense this season at Valenciennes, where Pierre Blois has partnered him with Bryan Passi for the last two matches. The 34-year-old from Brittany can play anywhere, as a defensive midfielder or as a number 10 if needed. It is on this versatility that he has built his career. Alexandre Coeff has never played as a striker, but if asked, he almost certainly would. In India, where he played for six months before joining Valenciennes at the end of January 2025, he filled in several matches as a number 10, "because the coach saw that I had the qualities for it." The 34-year-old from Brittany, used mainly in central defense this season at Valenciennes, is a chameleon: "All my career, I've adapted. So I'll continue to do so." “In over fifteen years as a professional, his success is built on this: ‘Perhaps if I hadn’t had this versatility, I wouldn’t have gone as far. In any case, every time I’ve spoken with my coaches, it’s the first quality they’ve highlighted, this game intelligence,’ which makes him so valuable within a team.” “I love playing center back.” Even when Pierre Blois asked him about his preferred position, the well-traveled player, who has played in Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Greece before India, didn’t definitively answer the question. “It depends a lot on the teams. In teams that play a lot of possession football, I’ve always felt more comfortable in midfield. This team might need a player like me to build from the back.” “Today, I’m having a blast playing center back, and who knows, maybe next year or two, I’ll be playing as a number 10.” There we go again. Not a word, however, about his occasional stints at full-back, “a position I don’t particularly like” because it requires “repeated high-intensity runs, which, with all humility, I’m no longer capable of.” “We speak the same language of football, it’s simpler. He gives me confidence, and I want to repay him. So, as long as he needs me, I’ll give my best. Whether it’s for two or three matches, or until the end of the season.” Between his age, the state of the pitches, and the accumulation of matches, Alexandre Coeff tore his soleus muscle in early December during training, which caused a break in his season. “I started back very slowly at the beginning of January, and there was a minor scare right after. I wanted to take my time getting back into shape.” Others have settled in during that time. “Anyway, I’m available to the coach. If he needs me for five, ten, or ninety minutes, I’m there.” Pierre Blois has reinstated him in the left-sided center-back position for the last two matches, where he has partnered with Bryan Passi. Even though he’s only filling in, with the coach, “we speak the same language, it’s simpler. He gives me confidence, and I want to repay it. So, as long as he needs me, I’ll give my best. Whether it’s for two or three matches, or until the end of the season.” VILLEFRANCHE-BEAUJOLAIS - VALENCIENNES, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

VAFC: Music, dialogue, dynamic training sessions… What is the Pierre Blois method? It may have surprised the senior players when Pierre Blois turned up the speakers to play music during training. Alexandre Coeff, who is only three years older than him, didn't see it as an oddity either. "It imposes a certain rhythm, a tempo," explains the center-back, who isn't opposed to the new approach. "For us veterans, it's a bit strange, but why not, if it can bring something extra. We listen and we accept it." "It's still eleven against eleven with a rolling ball." The method is proving successful so far, "they're training well, they're training hard," observes the coach. Tasked with taking over on an interim basis since Stéphane Moulin's departure, Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater haven't changed their approach or methods simply because they're now managing the first team. "We talk a lot, we try to create dynamic training sessions." Whether it's young players or seasoned veterans makes no difference: "It's still eleven against eleven with a rolling ball, it's just the context that changes." The duo also makes a point of ensuring everyone understands they have a role to play. This involves open communication, "quite a few internal meetings." The message to the players is clear: "Whether you play or not, you have one of the best jobs in the world, you have to come with a smile on your face." VILLEFRANCHE-BEAUJOLAIS – VALENCIENNES, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Hello friends, I hope you are all well and have had a great week in the sunshine. News from Valenciennes: After last Saturday's victory against Stade Malherbe Caen, the VAFC players are playing a match tonight. They are travelling to Villefranche sur Saône (near Lyon) to face FC Villefranche Beaujolais. The goal for today is to continue the positive streak and come away from this trip with a result that will bring them closer to securing their place in the league. It will be another tricky match tonight, so they will need to be efficient and not underestimate their opponents. Kick-off is at 7:30 p.m. French time. Link to the match: Have a great day, everyone. Allez VA !

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 !