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National League: VA Defeated but Safe, We Take Consolation Where We Can Valenciennes should have been leading at halftime if they had been more precise in their final pass and shot. Instead, they were punished by Fleury after the break and were never able to recover. Despite the 2-0 defeat, they can at least take some satisfaction in knowing that their survival in the National League is now secured. VA is now safe from relegation in this league, which has given them a lot of trouble for the past two years. Their focus shouldn't be on second-to-last Châteauroux, who dropped to the bottom last week, but rather on Bourg-en-Bresse, who were beaten at home by Caen (0-2) on Friday night. Bourg-en-Bresse only has three matches left to play, and Valenciennes holds a ten-point lead over them. That's settled. “The mission we were given when we took over as interim manager, and which we’ve grown to enjoy as the weeks have gone by, has been accomplished,” Pierre Blois rejoiced, despite the 2-0 defeat in Fleury. “We mustn’t forget the context in which we took over the team, with difficult matches and strong opponents at home, like Caen and Versailles. It wasn’t a sure thing.” Like his coach, Alexandre Coeff would have “preferred to secure our place in the league with a win, but we’re not going to be picky when we see where we were not so long ago.” At rock bottom. 29 crosses, 13 shots… Two months later, Valenciennes has the proud bearing of those who enter the arena without flinching. In an Essonne Stadium reminiscent of a Roman amphitheater, he caused Fleury serious problems in the first half, demonstrating composure, control of the game, and dominance over the ball, which he monopolized without managing to effectively utilize it in the penalty area. This resulted in a match with "29 crosses (but only three successful) and 13 shots," tallied Pierre Blois. "Twice as many as the opposition." The difference was that when he struck, he struck hard. "We can't afford to come back in the 47th minute with that level of commitment," said the prolific striker Kevin Farade, alert to the opportunity, tapping in a shot from Homssa that Jean Louchet had managed to deflect onto the crossbar. The second goal came in stoppage time after a mistake by Jules Collet, whose introduction had otherwise been promising. Pierre Blois wanted to focus on the positives: "As usual, the players never gave up, they gave their all, they tried their hardest." FLEURY – VALENCIENNES: 2-0 (0-0). Essonne Stadium. 2,594 spectators. Referee: Mr. Legat. Goals: Farade (47th), Belliard (90th + 4) for Fleury. Yellow cards: Lelevé (45th), Belliard (88th) for Fleury; Niakaté (28th) for Valenciennes. Fleury: Alette; Lambèse (Bovis, 41st), Vogt, Karamoko, Plisson; Lelevé (captain, Angong, 73rd); Homssa (Jean-Pierre, 73rd), Le Méhauté (Gannoun, 81st), Aubourg; Rivas, Farade (Belliard, 81st minute). Coach: David Vignes. Valenciennes: Louchet; Niakaté (Collet, 66th minute), Landre, Coeff, Koum (Wahib, 86th minute); Belloumou (captain, Boissier, 74th minute); K. Diomandé, Maréchal, Rouaï (Kouakou, 74th minute), Appuah (Abi, 74th minute); Courtet. Coach: Pierre Blois.

Good evening, everyone, An update on tonight’s match: Valenciennes lost 2–0 away to FC Fleury, just like in the first leg... Not much else to add. Have a lovely evening, everyone. Allez VA !

I am also reassured by the appointment of the Cesto/Spors duo here in Valenciennes. I know that Johannes Spors is doing a good job at Southampton, and your strong finish to the season is partly down to him. The issue with Mathieu Frison is that he was young and didn’t necessarily have the network of contacts and experience, which I’m sure he’ll gain over the coming years. Of course, let’s not get carried away; we’ll see in the summer transfer window whether the initial decisions pay off with the arrival of players who match the club’s ambitions for next year. Wait and see, that’s for sure!

Questions Raised by Mathieu Frison's Departure from Valenciennes FC (VAFC) The departure of sporting coordinator Mathieu Frison was finalized on Wednesday, two months after Stéphane Moulin's departure from his coaching position. This signals a takeover by shareholder Sport Republic at VAFC. Analysis. Was Mathieu Frison's Departure Inevitable? The promises of stability made in the spring of 2025, when Stéphane Moulin arrived, were dealt a blow in February with his departure. Sent into the fray to provide talking points, sporting coordinator Mathieu Frison then dropped hints, like a wise old Hansel and Gretel, aware of the giant's intentions. "A football club is a whole, it's an organization. No one is above the institution." Everyone needs to take responsibility in their own way of working, because otherwise, we won't move forward. And the person who comes after me, or the coach who comes after Stéphane, will face the same problems.” He had insisted he wanted to see his mission through to the end, but it was as if he had already prepared himself for it to end sooner than expected. Made official on Wednesday, his departure is a clear sign of a takeover of Sport Republic. “There is a desire on the part of the shareholder, the one who ultimately pays,” to give Johannes Spors free rein at Valenciennes, confirms VAFC's general manager, Yoann Godin. Appointed in February 2025 as sporting director of Southampton and the group, the 43-year-old German is presenting himself as the new power broker. “All of this was done completely transparently with Mathieu. We’ve been working on it for weeks, but it’s a special moment,” admits the Valenciennes general manager. Who is Jean-Christophe Cesto? Having come through the FC Nantes youth academy, Jean-Christophe Cesto didn’t really break through as a professional player. He returned to the professional ranks after his playing career ended in 2018 as a video analyst for the Canaries. Appointed sporting coordinator for VAFC, replacing Mathieu Frison, he will report directly to Johannes Spors, whom he knew from his time at Red Star and Genoa, during his time with 777 Partners, an American investment fund that had turned multi-club ownership into a business before going bankrupt in 2024. The two men reconnected at Sport Republic, where Jean-Christophe Cesto had been in charge of all scouting related to the various French leagues since June. Is Yoann Godin under threat? Of the triumvirate that emerged in May 2025 to finally get Valenciennes off the ground, only he remains, now that Stéphane Moulin and Mathieu Frison have left. In his position as general manager of VAFC since November 2023, does Yoann Godin feel threatened? "My own position isn't the issue," he dismisses. "Today, I know I have the shareholder's confidence. Perhaps tomorrow I won't, but the only question that matters is, 'What are we doing together to get the club out of this rut?'" He doesn't speak of failure, while acknowledging the paramount importance of sporting results (and their volatile nature) in this environment. His role will not change because, he assures us, he has never interfered in the sporting side of things, which he leaves to others. “You often felt that Godin was taking up too much space, but I’ve always been humble enough to stay in my lane. I know what I can contribute, I know my strengths. It might be an issue for the shareholder, but honestly, I’ll always need someone by my side on these matters. I had Mathieu (Frison), with whom I had a good working relationship.” Now he’ll have to learn to work with Jean-Christophe Cesto and Johannes Spors. FLEURY – VALENCIENNES, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Robert-Bobin Stadium, Bondoufle. Unavailable: El Hadary, Passi (injured).

VAFC: It goes without saying, Pierre Blois will see out the season. No one at VAFC is saying anything, but everyone has known for quite some time that Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater will see out their mission in the National league. Everyone has known for a long time: VA has decided to entrust its National league team to the duo of Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater until the end of the season. They were promoted in February to replace Stéphane Moulin at short notice. Initially, it was only supposed to be a short interim arrangement. "There's the requirement for coaching qualifications (the BEPF is mandatory to coach in the National league, which neither of them has) which will force us to recruit. So, it will only be a temporary solution," assured Mathieu Frison, still in his role as sporting coordinator. Internal Change of Direction The internal change of direction has absolutely nothing to do with his recent departure. He is primarily focused on the excellent results achieved by the duo, under whose guidance the team is averaging two points per game, a pace befitting a promotion contender. Both are local products, perfectly embodying the image the club has been trying to project since Sport Republic took over. Pierre Blois has the profile of a modern coach, everything to please, except that he was unable to register for the next BEPF coaching certification session. While supporters are now openly dreaming of the duo's return next season, VA prefers to maintain a silence on the matter, clearly a sensitive issue given the €7,500 fine they are now incurring for each match. Before the match against Aubagne, Pierre Blois described to us how his contract was being extended week by week. "We debrief, we review the performance, it's not a formality." The issue resurfaced on Thursday: has he been appointed to remain in place until the end of the season? Rather than answer, the interim manager preferred to leave the decision to the club's management. This silence, in itself, amounted to confirmation. FLEURY – VALENCIENNES, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Robert-Bobin Stadium, Bondoufle.

Link of the match; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kis8zmA_WlU

News from Valenciennes. Following last Friday’s victory over FC Versailles, it’s been a somewhat turbulent week for VAFC with the announcement that sporting director Mathieu Frison is leaving. I think Sport Republic is quietly preparing us for next season. With SR’s aim to spend less and, above all, spend more wisely. A change in strategy that I hope will pay off next year. On the pitch, it’s match day for Valenciennes, who are away to FC Fleury 91, who beat us 2-0 in the first leg at the Stade du Hainaut. If they win tonight, Valenciennes will officially secure their place in Ligue 3 for next year. Even though, as of today, before tonight’s match, survival is 99% certain, we’ll need to pick up as many points as possible until the end of the season. Kick-off is at 7.30 pm French time. Have a lovely day, everyone!

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well? Congratulations on last night’s win – it’s just amazing! But who can stop this incredible run? I can’t see anyone today, and you’re well on your way to the play-offs – or perhaps even further, who knows! No one would have bet a penny last December on the incredible work of Tonda, his staff and your players! Well done to you all! Today, here in Valenciennes, a surprise announcement was made on the club’s website less than an hour ago: the departure of Mathieu Frison, the sporting coordinator, who himself had replaced Ben Chorley. Here is the club’s statement: VAFC Press Release: Departure of Mathieu Frison VAFC announces the departure of its sporting coordinator, Mathieu Frison. The club would like to thank Mathieu Frison for his commitment and the work he has done during his time here. VAFC wishes him every success in his future career. Jean-Christophe Cesto will take over his role under the leadership of Johannes Spors, sporting director of the Sport Republic group and Southampton FC. I must admit it comes as a surprise, as nobody saw this departure coming. From now on, we’ll be managed on the sporting side by a stand-in and Mr Johannes Spors, who’s already with you, so that reassures me. We’ll see if this change pays off, but if we can get better players for next year, that would be a very good thing. Have a lovely day, friends.

Congratulations again my friend ! Let's go to the 18' ! ❤️🤍

Great result tonight !

Manning ! 🔥🔥❤️🤍

And 1 ! 🔥🔥 #COYR ❤️🤍

So, to summarise my trip: initially, going back to Southampton was a personal project; I came here with a friend two years ago and, having had a great time, I wanted to return. Originally, I was planning to stay from Friday to Saturday to watch the lads’ match against Ipswich Town on Good Friday and the girls’ match against Sheffield on Saturday lunchtime. In the end, I couldn’t make it to the girls’ match as I had to postpone my visit from Saturday to Sunday, but I was lucky enough to be there for the match against Arsenal. I arrived on Saturday morning – here’s the photo I shared with you – and went to the club shop. At 1 pm I went for a bite to eat at The Dell pub, then returned to my hotel to rest a bit before heading to the match. After the match, I went back to the hotel and rested until check-out at around 12 pm on Sunday. Out of curiosity, I wanted to visit the training ground, and I think the fact that I’d come from France and am from Valenciennes certainly helped me get a tour of the centre – nothing more, nothing less After the visit, I watched the U14 girls’ match on the artificial pitch, then headed back to Dover for the return journey to France. That’s it

I can see you’re trying to pick on things when you’ve actually run out of things to say about the player – it’s a real shame! (Yes, Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater are doing a great job, and that must really annoy you) Save your energy, my fellow countryman, to support our team and wish them all the best! And if you don’t like what’s happening in Valenciennes, there are two other clubs 45 and 70 km from Valenciennes that would be delighted to welcome you...

End of the match now. Valenciennes win 1-0 tonight 😍 Scorer: Samir Belloumou. Allez VA ! ❤️🤍

Ready for the game in Stade du Hainaut. Allez VA ! ❤️🤍

Hello, my friend. Thank you for your best wishes for tonight’s match. I came for two days last weekend and watched the match against Arsenal. What an incredible match! I also visited your training ground, which is huge! I had a perfect two days and a brilliant time!

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all doing well! After a brilliant weekend last week in Southampton, I’m back in Valenciennes. First off, congratulations again on your 15th and 16th unbeaten matches (against Arsenal and Wrexham). Now is really the time to give it your all in this final stretch! I’m really rooting for you! Here in Valenciennes, we still need a few more points to mathematically secure our place in National (League 3 next year). Last weekend’s defeat against Quevilly Rouen isn’t too serious, but we still need to pick up the remaining points as quickly as possible. Valenciennes therefore have the chance to pick up points tonight at home at the Stade du Hainaut when they host FC Versailles. As I announced yesterday, we have unfortunately lost Rento Takaoka for the rest of the season following an injury whilst on international duty with Japan. No other absentees at the moment. A win tonight and we’ll be (almost) safe. Kick-off is at 7.30 pm French time. The match link is below: Good day all ! Allez VA !

Injured, Rento Takaoka ends his season with VAFC The season is over for Rento Takaoka! Having suffered a stress fracture in his foot whilst on international duty with Japan’s U19 side last March, the Japanese international has brought his spell with VAFC to a premature end. He will be remembered Having arrived last summer on loan from Southampton, he will forever remain the first Japanese player in the club’s history to have played for the first team. Scoring a brace in his very first home match for VA on 15 August 2025 against Le Puy (2-1), he will be remembered for his generosity and his constant smile. Thank you for everything, Rento After playing 16 matches and scoring three goals for the first team, the striker will continue his recovery in Japan. VAFC would like to thank Rento for his time at the club and wishes him all the best for the rest of his career.

Let's go to 16 !!

Wow. Man City. Force to you ! COYR ! ❤️🔥

Wow. Man City. Force to you ! COYR ! ❤️🔥

Hello, everyone. My sincere congratulations on yesterday’s fine victory. Building on Tonda Eckert’s outstanding work, you knocked the Gunners out. Yesterday, I saw a solid performance from a united team that fought for every ball. Even when Arsenal were pressing hard, you showed great solidarity. You didn’t have many shots on goal, but it was enough to see you through. Come on lads, just seven league games and two cup matches left to finish the season in the best possible way. Happy Easter Sunday to you all. COYR ! 🔥

My friend, Im Back 😍😍

Good evening, everyone. Valenciennes’ unbeaten run has come to an end with a 3-2 defeat away to Quevilly Rouen. I didn’t see the match, so I can’t really comment on it. It’s a shame, as the team could have moved a step closer to securing their place in the league... Have a good evening, everyone, and see you tomorrow 😁😁