ChristopheVAFC

https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1607833/article/2025-07-18/vafc-du-caractere-et-des-progres-pour-finir-la-semaine-anglaise-de-valenciennes

Let me reassure you, we've already had players who, when they had the ball, I can tell you we had cold sweats in the stands haha

😅

Resume matchs:

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Reaction from Valenciennes coach Stéphane Moulin after Southampton/VAFC: -------------- -> Stéphane, VA, just played Southampton twice in two different matches (1-1) and (1-0). What did you take away from this double encounter? The first match was very interesting against strong opposition. We were already able to stop this Southampton team as a team. We certainly suffered, but we showed a lot of consistency in our play without the ball and with it, although I hope we'll do better! But the emphasis during the training camp was precisely on the defensive aspect, and I think we showed a bit of a difference in that area, so it's rather positive. And then the second match, with players who were a little less connected, I would say, because they didn't play much together, I would say the opposition also lived up to my expectations. Even though we lost the match 1-0, we could have equalized. We had a magnificent chance with three minutes left, but the balance of power wasn't in our favor. But I think we were able, with our resources, to keep up the good work and survive at times. That's interesting for the future because the foundation of the training camp was once again cohesion, both off the pitch and on the pitch, but also, once again, the collective aspect of the defensive aspect. So I think that in this area, we've made good progress, we've made good progress. There's still work to be done, obviously, but we're on the right track. --> With an intensity worthy of a competitive match! It was a "Yes!" After all, the English are also fond of this kind of opposition. There are no friendlies for them. And then, well, we have exceptional working conditions. The pitch was watered, the weather was nice, so everything was in place for a good match, and it was a good match, so it's interesting. Now we're going to rest well to get on with the third week of work next week with two matches on the schedule. And we're going to work a little more on the matches than on the week's work. --> This double match concludes a six-day training camp in Southampton. What is your assessment of this training camp? Are you satisfied? Yes, it's positive! We found what we came looking for, once again: cohesion on and off the pitch, that the players get to know each other, that we get to know them too, and also connections on the pitch because that's the essence of our job, and I think that in this area too, we're making progress. We had remarkable conditions, both in terms of infrastructure. The pitch is quite incredible, the quality of the fields, and we were also fortunate to have favorable weather. So that enhances everything we've put in place, so it's a positive training camp; we have no injuries. We're going into the third week of training, and we have no injuries, so that's also important because when you have too many injuries, you end up shooting the same ones and therefore risk increasing the number of injuries. So, no, it was a really good training camp in all areas. So I'd say it was a success. --> Thank you very much Stéphane!

Reaction from Valenciennes coach Stéphane Moulin after Southampton/VAFC: -> Stéphane, VA, just played Southampton twice in two different matches (1-1) and (1-0). What did you take away from this double encounter? The first match was very interesting against strong opposition. We were already able to stop this Southampton team as a team. We certainly suffered, but we showed a lot of consistency in our play without the ball and with it, although I hope we'll do better! But the emphasis during the training camp was precisely on the defensive aspect, and I think we showed a bit of a difference in that area, so it's rather positive. And then the second match, with players who were a little less connected, I would say, because they didn't play much together, I would say the opposition also lived up to my expectations. Even though we lost the match 1-0, we could have equalized. We had a magnificent chance with three minutes left, but the balance of power wasn't in our favor. But I think we were able, with our resources, to keep up the good work and survive at times. That's interesting for the future because the foundation of the training camp was once again cohesion, both off the pitch and on the pitch, but also, once again, the collective aspect of the defensive aspect. So I think that in this area, we've made good progress, we've made good progress. There's still work to be done, obviously, but we're on the right track. --> With an intensity worthy of a competitive match! It was a "Yes!" After all, the English are also fond of this kind of opposition. There are no friendlies for them. And then, well, we have exceptional working conditions. The pitch was watered, the weather was nice, so everything was in place for a good match, and it was a good match, so it's interesting. Now we're going to rest well to get on with the third week of work next week with two matches on the schedule. And we're going to work a little more on the matches than on the week's work. --> This double match concludes a six-day training camp in Southampton. What is your assessment of this training camp? Are you satisfied? Yes, it's positive! We found what we came looking for, once again: cohesion on and off the pitch, that the players get to know each other, that we get to know them too, and also connections on the pitch because that's the essence of our job, and I think that in this area too, we're making progress. We had remarkable conditions, both in terms of infrastructure. The pitch is quite incredible, the quality of the fields, and we were also fortunate to have favorable weather. So that enhances everything we've put in place, so it's a positive training camp; we have no injuries. We're going into the third week of training, and we have no injuries, so that's also important because when you have too many injuries, you end up shooting the same ones and therefore risk increasing the number of injuries. So, no, it was a really good training camp in all areas. So I'd say it was a success. --> Thank you very much Stéphane!

by https://www.va-fc.com/articles/29228 ----------------------------------- A Draw and a Loss for VAFC Against Southampton in a Friendly For the first time in their history, VAFC and Southampton faced off in a warm-up match this Friday, July 18th, at the English club's Staplewood training ground. Members of the Sport Republic group for two years, the first teams of the two clubs had never met before. The two matches played this Friday therefore cemented the connections that now exist between France and England. Because it wasn't just one match, but two separate one-hour encounters played at Staplewood with two completely different team lineups on each side. An Intense, Committed, and Balanced First Match In the first match, VAFC clearly matched the Championship team, with an intensity more akin to a competitive match than a friendly. Physical and committed, the match started well for Valenciennes, who opened the scoring in the 17th minute thanks to Baghdadi, who was well-played by Courtet. VA then came close to doubling their lead when Baghdadi passed to Ipiélé, whose shot went just wide of Ramsdale's goal (26th minute). But England responded with Brereton Diaz's volley missing the target (27th minute). In the second half, Southampton pushed for an equalizer and finally found the net in the 47th minute with a cross shot from Archer. A rather logical draw after a solid, technical, and committed performance from VAFC. Southampton-VAFC (1-1). Goals: Archer (47th minute) for Southampton; Baghdadi (17th) for VAFC VAFC: Louchet - Abu, Coeff, Thomas (cap), Wahib - K. Diomandé, Rouai - Ipiélé, Baghdadi, Appuah - Courtet Southampton: Ramsdale - Bree, Stephens, Wood, Manning-Charles, Downes (Sesay, 36th), Edozie, Fraser, Brereton Diaz-Archer A second match in favor of Southampton For the second match, things were a little more complicated for VA. Dominated from the start, the Red and Whites conceded the opening goal in the 11th minute, thanks to Armstrong's lurking effort after Stewart's shot hit Justin Lacombe's post. A Valenciennes goalkeeper had to pull out all the stops just before halftime, deflecting a header that was heading into the net (28th). In the second half, VA attempted to respond with a Nyemb shot that went wide of the English goal (38th minute). But it was Oyewusi, late in the match (57th minute), who created the best opportunity with a cross back into the box that was blocked at the last moment. Ultimately, Southampton won the second half, marking the end of an intense training camp in England for Valenciennes. Their next match is this Wednesday, July 23rd, against Feignies (6 p.m.) during the season-ticket holders' fan day. Southampton-VAFC 1-0. Goal: Armstrong (11th) for Southampton VAFC: Lacombe - A.Diomandé, Niakaté (Kebbeh, 31st), Tremoulet, Koum - Belloumou (Boissier, 31st), Collet (Moursou, 31st), Sissoko (cap) - Buades (Kouakou, 45th), Oyewusi, Kouakou (Nyemb, 31st) Southampton: Mc Carthy - Sugawara, Kayi Sanda, Quarshie, Taylor - Welington, Smallbone, Aribo - Armstrong, Robinson, Stewart

Visit to Saint Mary's Stadium for Valenciennes yesterday!

Second newspaper article of the day by Julien Dufurier from 'La Voix du Nord': https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1607583/article/2025-07-18/vafc-j-ai-envie-de-faire-plus-stredair-appuah-veut-hausser-le-niveau-pour-son

Today's press article by Julien Dufurier from 'La Voix du Nord': https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1607578/article/2025-07-18/vafc-un-autre-monde-southampton-c-est-la-creme-anglaise-pour-valenciennes

I wouldn't go that far, my friend, but I think the most important thing is to work well and for the matches to go well, after that the score won't be the most important thing for me.

The VAFC calendar for the 2025/26 season is out! You've all been waiting for it - it's finally out! On Thursday, the FFF revealed the National Championship fixture list for the 2025/26 season. Note that VAFC will kick off their season at home to Le Puy on Friday 15 August. Here is the calendar in detail, day by day First phase: (Away) J1 (08/08/25): Châteauroux-VAFC (Home) J2 (15/08/25): VAFC-Le Puy (Away) J3 (22/08/25): Orléans-VAFC (Home) J4 (29/08/25): VAFC-Rouen (Away) J5 (05/09/25) : Saint-Brieuc-VAFC (Home) J6 (12/09/25) : VAFC-Paris 13 (Away) J7 (19/09/25): Caen-VAFC (Home) J8 (26/09/25): VAFC-Villefranche (Away) J9 (03/10/25): Ajaccio- VAFC (Home) J10 (17/10/25): VAFC-Concarneau (Away) J11 (21/10/25): Aubagne-VAFC (Home) J12 (31/10/25): VAFC- Quevilly (Away) J13 (07/11/25): Versailles-VAFC (Home) J14 (21/11/25): VAFC-Fleury (Away) J15 (05/12/25): Dijon-VAFC (Home) J16 (12/12/25): VAFC-Sochaux (Home) J17 (16/01/26): VAFC-Bourg Second phase: (Away) J18 (23/01/26): Le Puy-VAFC (Home) J19 (30/01/26): VAFC-Orléans (Away) J20 (06/02/26): Rouen-VAFC (Home) J21 (13/02/26): VAFC-Saint-Brieuc (Away) J22 (20/02/26): Paris 13-VAFC (Home) J23 (27/02/26) : VAFC-Caen (Away) J24 (06/03/26): Villefranche-VAFC (Home) J25 (13/03/26): VAFC-Ajaccio (Away) J26 (20/03/26): Concarneau-VAFC (Home) J27 (27/03/26): VAFC-Aubagne (Away) J28 (03/04/26): Quevilly-VAFC (Home) J29 (10/04/26): VAFC-Versailles (Away) J30 (17/04/26): Fleury-VAFC (Home) J31 (24/04/26): VAFC-Dijon (Away) J32 (01/05/26): Sochaux-VAFC (Away) J33 (08/05/26): Bourg-VAFC (Home) J34 (15/05/26) : VAFC-Châteauroux

Tomorrow sees a behind-closed-doors friendly between our two clubs at Southampton's training centre. According to the latest information, there will be 2 matches of 60 minutes each, with 2 different teams. There will be no live video feed, no real-time score information, and the clubs will publish information after the match, nothing else... It's a shame, but if it helps our two clubs to have a good season afterwards...

I know a bit about Julien Dufurier, the journalist who specialises in our team here for our local media outlet ‘La Voix du Nord’, and it's often his press articles that I share with you here. I agree with what he had to say, which sums up the situation of our club since the takeover by Sport Republic. I hope our 3 clubs have a great season in any case!

Frankly, our team has what it takes to have a great season, and we have an experienced coach who can make a difference too!

Honestly, it's a really good job that's been done by the sports coordinator Mathieu Frison, with the support of our CEO Yoann Godin since the end of the season. We have nothing to reproach the club for, which we feel has made some very good choices, now the hardest thing will be for this new team to get on well on the pitch, and if that works, I have no doubt that we'll have a great season!

It's Samir Belloumou finaly ! https://www.va-fc.com/articles/29185

A new recruit will be announced in a few hours by VAFC. 🥳 I'm thinking of two potential players: 🫣 - Sandro Tremoulet (central defender) - Samir Beloumou (defensive midfielder) I think the player will be presented on the pitch at Southampton's training centre. 😅 https://x.com/VAFC/status/1945436415862386970?t=eQ0YzDCZn5Nf46EyXIqyWg&s=19

I don't have any information on this subject because my club is very discreet about the team's current training camp. I imagine they want the players to be in their own bubble. I hope the camp goes well for them in any case!

Hello friends, I hope you're well? Latest news from my team who arrived safely in Southampton last night for the 5-day course! I think you're likely to come across them if they're out and about in the city, I'm thinking of the Bargate and WestQuai areas! Take care of my players, my friends! Have a great day! --> https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1606238/article/2025-07-14/vafc-encore-en-observation-valenciennes-en-stage-en-angleterre-la-classe

Congratulations on your victory today, my friends!

Win 1-0 today in Valenciennes Training Center ! Valenciennes win their first match (1-0), Mamadou Kebbeh on target Valenciennes beat Quevilly-Rouen 1-0 in their first warm-up match. Mamadou Kebbeh scored the only goal of the game in the first half. VA made a successful comeback. As expected, Stéphane Moulin fielded two separate teams in the first and second halves, with many new faces showing a fairly positive side, especially in the first half. Mamadou Kebbeh scored the only goal of the game from a corner. Lucas Buades also had a penalty saved by the Normandy goalkeeper in the first half. VAFC - Quevilly-Rouen: 1-0 (1-0) Goal: Kebbeh (25th) VAFC (1st MT) : Louchet, A. Diomande, Kebebh, Thomas (cap), Koum; Moursou; Rouai, K. Diomande; Buades, Oyewusi, Ipiele VAFC (2nd MT) : Lacombe; Coeff, Tremoulet, Niakate, Wahib, Collet, Sissoko; Baghdadi; Appuah, Courtet, Kouakou.

Thank you very much my friend, have a great season and all the Southampton supporters on the site. 🥰

Hello friends, I hope you're well? Today is the 1st pre-season match for Valenciennes, who take on Quevilly Rouen at the VAFC training centre. After this match, on Sunday, the Valenciennes players will head to Southampton for a 5-day training camp at the Staplewood Campus from 13 to 18 July 2023, culminating in a friendly match against your team behind closed doors and also not broadcast on television. Press Review today: https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1605787/article/2025-07-12/vafc-voir-le-caractere-de-chacun-premiere-sortie-pour-le-valenciennes-de