ChristopheVAFC

National League: The comeback started from the bench, Valenciennes are unstoppable! Thanks to Loïck Landre and Stredair Appuah, who came on as substitutes and scored late goals, Valenciennes secured their third consecutive victory in Concarneau (2-1). Things had started rather poorly, but this team is no longer quite the same with Pierre Blois at the helm. Valenciennes' good run, this bright spot of seven points taken in three matches with two consecutive wins, will therefore continue. And what a continuation it is! For the first time this season, Valenciennes have strung together three consecutive victories after the one brought back from Concarneau (2-1), which rewards the Northerners' strength of character, this newfound virtue that had already sparked in Villefranche (3-2), more than a truly great performance. But no matter. We must remember all those points dropped, all those matches lost at the end of the first half of the season, to appreciate even more the upset pulled off by Valenciennes in Brittany. Because that's precisely what it was. Harmless in the first half, then rattled after the break and trailing during a period of sustained pressure from their opponents, Valenciennes were in dire straits and came close to being knocked out at least three times (50th, 63rd, 73rd minutes). And then the substitutes worked their magic, as if by magic, and galvanized everyone for a thrilling and incredibly efficient final ten minutes. Loïck Landre, lurking in the box (82nd minute), and then Stredair Appuah (87th minute), wonderfully set up by Alexi Koum and perfectly placed to finish his shot across goal, turned the game around. Bryan Passi saw it coming. "It was tough for 70 minutes, and then the substitutes really changed the dynamic of the game," praised Pierre Blois, still undefeated at the helm of Valenciennes, whose coaching paid off across the board. "We still have to be humble because Concarneau doesn't deserve what's happening to them." But the Bretons ran into the new Valenciennes, a team that no longer hangs its head, doesn't panic when it's behind, and therefore has that extra bit of soul to pull itself out of the predicament that was looming. Bryan Passi sensed it, urging his teammates not to give up. "There's still time," he told them in the 70th minute. The central defender, still very valuable in the air, couldn't have been more right. The comeback was only just beginning. CONCARNEAU – VALENCIENNES: 1-2 (0-0) Goals: Da Silva (55th minute) for Concarneau, Landre (82nd minute), Appuah (85th minute) Yellow cards: Goujon (30th minute) for Concarneau, Rouai (90th minute) for Valenciennes CONCARNEAU: Viot; Sinquin (Gbele 26th minute), Jannez (captain), Seba; Soukouna (Tell 79th minute), Goujon, Picouleau, Etcheverria; Ntumi, Varvat (Da Silva 45th, Baldoni. Etr: Pascal Laguillier VAFC: Louchet; Niakate (Abi 75th), Passi, Coeff, Koum; Rouai, Maréchal (Landre 75th), Belloumou (cap) (Boissier 15th); El Hadary (Appuah 63rd), Courtet (cap), K. Diomande (Takaoka 63rd). Etr: Pierre Blois

RIP Legend !

Thanks, mate. After a pretty tough stretch of the season, the positive momentum is finally here – and it’s sticking! We’re getting closer to our goal of staying up, and I reckon we’ll make it, even though we’ve had a few scares, it’s true. What I’ve noticed has changed since Pierre Blois took over: - The players are smiling again - Nobody is slacking off - A lot of effort is being put in during training and in matches - The coach has also been putting the players in their right positions a bit more. Not much has changed, but you can sense that the rapport between the former coach and the players didn’t really click... The main thing is to pick up points as quickly as possible and move on to next season!

Full-time at the Stade Guy Piriou in Concarneau. And it’s a 2-1 win! A much more intense second half with a crazy turn of events! 56’ Concarneau open the scoring and we start to think that our bogey team is going to take points off us again… 83’ Loick Landre, the Valenciennes defender, equalises! 87' Streddair Appuah puts Valenciennes firmly in front and allows VAFC to leapfrog their opponents in the table. VA are also edging closer to safety, and our coach, who came through the reserves like Tonda Eckeryt, is working miracles with 10 points from a possible 12! A great evening! I’m going to spend the weekend with a smile on my face. Allez VA !

Half-time at the Stade Guy Piriou in Concarneau. The score is 0-0. Not much to say; both teams have struggled to create chances and have spent a lot of time sizing each other up. It feels a bit like an end-of-season fixture, but for now, there are still some crucial points to be won. Let’s hope for a better second half. Allez VA !

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well? First of all, congratulations on your recent victories and your 13-match unbeaten run; I hope it continues for as long as possible so you can aim for the play-offs! News from Valenciennes: last week, I mentioned that VAFC were set to play a friendly match at PSG’s training ground against their U23s. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. It was a game that helped us maintain our rhythm and gave playing time to almost all the players. Today, it’s back to the league and the final stretch until the end of the season. The aim is to pick up as many points as possible as quickly as possible to secure our place in the division and finish the season on a high. We’re away to US Concarneau tonight, a team we haven’t beaten in two years, so it would be more than welcome to pick up some points tonight. Kick-off is at 7.30 pm French time as usual, and I’ll be sharing the local news articles with you this morning Oh, and I nearly forgot to mention, I’ll be in Southampton from 4th to 5th April and hope to bump into some of you there. 😍 Have a lovely day. Allez VA!

3 points again tonight ! Congratulations my friend ! let's go ! ❤️🤍

Congratulations for the today victory versus the leader Saint's Friend. 🔥🔥❤️🤍

Hello friends, I hope you are all well on this Friday the 13th? After this week's heated debates, here's some more serious news from Valenciennes. - Match: No official match this weekend, as VA has a bye because the championship is once again being played with 17 clubs this season following the relegation of AC Ajaccio. However, there will be a friendly match this afternoon at 2 p.m. French time against Paris Saint Germain's U23 team at the PSG Campus. It's an opportunity to keep up the momentum. - Coaching: According to the latest news, it seems that Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater will continue as interim managers until the end of the season. With a run of 7 points out of 9, the club is prepared to pay the €7,500 fine per match to maintain the positive streak and secure their place as quickly as possible. I tend to agree with this decision. No other news for the moment. The priority is to keep the first team up this season and calmly prepare for next season. Allez VA !

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 !

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