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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 !

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 !