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“When you concede a goal, it feels like the sky is falling,” Loïck Landre said, reflecting on Valenciennes’ weaknesses. The Valenciennes FC center-back didn’t shy away from discussing the latest defeat suffered this Friday at the Hainaut stadium against Saint-Brieuc (1-2). Loïck, what are your feelings after a match like that? “We’re disappointed, it’s a bit like the one against Orléans. We come up against teams that are incredibly efficient, they manage to open the scoring, and then it’s always more complicated, you have to put in more effort, open yourself up… And then today (Friday), we concede a second goal, a really nice one at that, so it’s tough. It’s not what we were hoping for; we wanted to build on that momentum.” We came up against a team that played a good match, that was cohesive, that knew how to exploit our weaknesses. Conversely, is it a lack of efficiency that prevents you from winning these matches? "We missed our first half, we left too much space, I think, and unfortunately, we were in trouble too often." "It's a combination of factors; it's not just the forwards who are at fault. It's a problem in both penalty areas. It's true that offensively, things didn't go our way, whereas last weekend we scored two. We missed our first half, we left too much space, I think, and unfortunately, we were in trouble too often. They played their cards right." As soon as you went behind, you lost your way. "Often, when we concede a goal, we feel like the sky is falling, but it's not." We had a lot of hope going into the match; we wanted to take the next step, to build on that momentum. Unfortunately, we conceded that goal which was a bit of a blow, and then we conceded a second… We need to be a bit tougher mentally. The one thing is certain: we can't give up. We were able to win away from home for the first time. There are about ten matches left, and we need to keep going. Our objectives from the beginning of the season are a long way off, we have to be honest, but we have to keep working. Doesn't all this say a lot about your team's weaknesses? "Yes, that's perhaps why we're where we are in the standings. It's up to us to keep working."

National League: The pile of sand on which Valenciennes had built has collapsed... Saint-Brieuc, bottom of the National League table, once again crushed Valenciennes' hopes this Friday. Defeated again at home (1-2), Valenciennes are back to square one just a week after defeating league leaders Rouen. All the world's misery seems to have fallen on Gaëtan Courtet's shoulders. - Photo Christophe Lefebvre All the promises born from the 2-1 victory in Rouen have vanished. A week later, everything is to be rebuilt. "What matters to me is finding a team," explained Stéphane Moulin on the eve of the match. He therefore logically fielded the same eleven players who had fought to overturn the league leaders. "I was expecting a confirmation of our form, and we didn't get it." On the contrary, his team has fallen back into the ineffectiveness that has become, as is now widely acknowledged, their trademark. “In two home games, we had 31 shots on goal, 16 against Orléans, 15 tonight (Friday), for only one goal scored. We had eight shots on target, they had three, and they scored two goals. I think we hit the post three times (twice actually). That sums it all up; we can’t win games like that.” Stéphane Moulin reiterates that he’s not a miracle worker: “I don’t know what to do. We’re working on finishing, we’re working on our passing patterns…” “The coach is responsible for the results, so it’s my fault.” Beyond the statistics, there’s also the reality of a team that played well for about 20 minutes before being stabbed in the back by Briochin’s first attack (0-1, 15th minute) and then conceding a second goal (33rd minute) from another unreal shot, which, to make matters worse, came off Léo Yobé’s weaker foot. Fragile as she is, she completely collapsed until halftime. "We have halftime to regroup, we change our system, we change players, a scenario we've seen countless times before." Stéphane Moulin did what he could to try and turn things around. "We have halftime to regroup, we change our system, we change players, a scenario we've seen countless times before. We have to get back into it, I convince them it's possible because I feel we're capable of it. We're missing something to come back or take the lead because in the second half, there was an opportunity." VA finally found the breakthrough, through Alain Ipiélé, as the game entered stoppage time. Far too late. In a protective reflex for his team, Stéphane Moulin says he takes full responsibility: "The coach is responsible for the results, so it's my fault." » VALENCIENNES – SAINT-BRIEUC: 1-2 (0-2). Stade du Hainaut. 4,851 spectators. Referee: Mr. Gazon. Goals: Ipiélé (90+1) for Valenciennes; Yobé (15, 33) for Saint-Brieuc. Yellow cards: Koum (45), Landre (74) for Valenciennes; Diakahbi (45+2) for Saint-Brieuc. Valenciennes: Louchet; Niakaté (K. Diomandé, 69), Landre (Coeff, 79), Passi, Koum; Daubin (Appuah, 46), Maréchal (Boissier, 46), Rouaï; El Hadary; Courtet (captain, Ipiélé, 79), Abi. Coach: Stéphane Moulin. Saint-Brieuc: L’Hostis; Diakahbi, Rabuel (Ndiaye, 75th), Diaby, Diakaby; Yobé (cap.), Beghin, Diatta Dorival (Boudin, 64th), Zakharyan (Lopes, 83rd); Janno (Gomis Maillard, 64th), Faty (Achahbar, 83rd). Coach: Guillaume Allanou.

Yesterday, I didn't recognize my team, which had fought with strength and courage in Rouen. I expected this type of match and this result because I know my team well and they have been making the same mistakes for several years, long before the arrival of Sport Republic. Our team is capable of beating the clubs at the top of the table but also of losing to weaker opponents. Yesterday, we had 15 scoring opportunities, hit the crossbar once and the post once, and scored one goal at the very end of the game, compared to three shots for Saint Brieuc, which resulted in two goals... This lack of efficiency is costing us dearly, and I really don't understand why we can't seem to get it right. We have a talent for scaring ourselves, and once again, this will be the case until the end of the season...

The match has just ended at the Stade du Hainaut. A 2-1 defeat against the bottom team in the league... VA reduced the deficit in the 91st minute. We've lost more points foolishly tonight, what a shame... Allez VA !

Half-time here at the Stade du Hainaut. Well, we're losing 2-0 to Stade Briochin at the break. It's been a tough match so far. I told you so this morning. Capable of playing great games against the big teams and capable of losing against the smaller teams... Will we see a comeback in the second half? Allez VA !

VAFC: "I realized that at this level, you have to be very professional," Alexi Koum's realization Alexi Koum, 20, has grasped what playing top-level football demands in terms of professionalism and effort. This self-reflection has allowed the full-back, on loan to Valenciennes from Olympique de Marseille, to gain a significant advantage over Abdelwahed Wahib on the left flank. Barely 20 years old, but already a seasoned pro. Alexi Koum was asked about his objectives with OM, where he will return this summer, while on loan to Valenciennes. The left-back offered a quick answer: "Right now, I'm really focused on finishing the season strong with Valenciennes." "The starting positions keep piling up for the youngster from Villeneuve-Saint-Georges (Val-de-Marne), who hasn't left Valenciennes' starting eleven since a 4-1 defeat in Dijon, a loss that hardly bodes well for the future. "I'm like doubting Thomas, I only believe what I see," explains Stéphane Moulin about him. "From the moment a lad shows he's committed and gets ahead of his direct competitor…," the coach has objectively no reason not to call him up. It's the very definition of "healthy competition, and I'm open to that." While Abdelwahed Wahib is paying the price at the start of this year, Alexi Koum isn't taking his slight advantage for granted. "Nothing is set in stone, nothing is fixed in our team. It's up to me to keep playing well, keep working hard." Because Abdel is here too. We're two in the same position and we both want to play. But I think we push each other to improve." "Not the behavior of a professional player" Between the player he was in September and the one he has become, it's like night and day. "He realized he couldn't achieve anything worthwhile without hard work, dedication, discipline, focus, and concentration," notes Stéphane Moulin, who had wondered if it was even worth continuing with him "because he didn't have the behavior of a professional player." He didn't give up on him, even if it meant being tough on him. "And there are two ways to look at it: either the player thinks, 'The coach doesn't like me, it's not my fault,' or he takes what he's told to heart." "We've witnessed a rather radical change, as surprising as it may seem, but it's to his credit." “Stéphane Moulin, on Alexi Koum Alexi Koum admits: “To be honest, I wasn’t necessarily giving my best.” Stéphane Moulin pinpoints the turning point to mid-October: “We witnessed a rather radical change, as surprising as it may seem, but he deserves credit for it.” The player isn’t sure if it was a turning point. The discussions he had with the coach and sporting coordinator, Mathieu Frison, eventually took root in his mind. “It made me want to do more”: a lot of gym work, individualized sessions, “there’s also nutrition, sleep, that kind of thing; once I started, I didn’t stop.” Alexi Koum is on a roll. VALENCIENNES – SAINT-BRIEUC, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Stade du Hainaut. Live on BFM TV and FFFtv.

Hello friends, how are you after this perfect week for our two clubs? News from Valenciennes after last Friday's victory at the league leaders, FC Rouen. The week has gone pretty well here in Valenciennes, where the only official announcement has been the departure of Sambou Sissoko, who has signed for FK Qabala, an Azerbaijani first division club. He hadn't been playing for some time and his departure from the club was only a matter of days away, but now it's official. Today is another league match day, and Valenciennes welcomes Stade Briochin, currently bottom of the league, to the Stade du Hainaut. This is the team that beat us at home in the first leg. You might think that since we managed to beat the league leaders at their home ground, beating the bottom team at home will be easier, but beware! We'll need to use the same ingredients as last week and score early to avoid any scares! VA is capable of the best and the worst, haha. We need to take advantage of the momentum to secure a second consecutive victory and move away from the bottom of the league table. As usual, kick-off for this match is at 7:30 p.m. French time, and you will find the link to the match below: I will share the local press coverage for this match in another post. Have a great day, everyone. Allez Valenciennes !!

Yesterday's match proved that football is full of surprises and suspense right up until the last minute of play. The first half was a disaster, even though the players could have opened the scoring very early on if Cameron Archer had scored. The first two goals could have been avoided. In the first case, if the goalkeeper had been more decisive, he could have stopped the ball. In the second case, the players need to communicate more and the goalkeeper should not have come out like that. The third goal, although beautiful, it must be said, could have been avoided with more defensive impact. I think Tonda must have had a strong word with the players in the dressing room at half-time. We thought the match was over, but we could sense that the Southampton players were out for revenge and wanted to show a better side of themselves. The hardest part was scoring the first goal to make it 3-1. After that, our confidence returned and doubt set in among the Foxes. The second and third goals, which came shortly before the end of the match, allowed us to come away with at least one point, which was miraculous considering we were 3-0 down at half-time. The players continued to push forward and believe in themselves, and were rewarded at the very end of the match with a fourth goal, which sealed the victory. It just goes to show that the team is capable of great things. It's a shame they lost time and points at the start of the season... Let's keep believing!

Exactly, probably ragequit haha

This reaction after the Saints' fourth goal: - First person: prefers to hide under his jacket. - Second person: no reaction, just shocked. - Third person: thinks it's a bad joke and prefers to laugh it off. They look so disappointed, haha. Always believe until the very last second! Congratulation again, Saint's Friend !!!

Beautiful comeback really 👌💪

Incroyable ! Magnifique ! This is the Saints !

Crazy end match 😳😳

Non match really 😟😔

Good match for you, saint's friend ! COYS !!!

Dear friends. Best wishes to you and all Southampton supporters. We have one thing in common: it's not an easy time for any of us, that's true. For us, things have been complicated since the 2014 season, when we were relegated to Ligue 2. Oh yes, there are other clubs that have had less luck than us. Bordeaux, Ajaccio, and Nimes, for example, had to drop down to the amateur level... It's really the sporting side of things that needs to work for us, because everything else is generally going well...

VA is above all a club whose supporters always go through a whole range of emotions, haha! We rarely have quiet seasons, and this year is no exception! It's true that we can't always agree! As football supporters, we remain in love with our club no matter what happens. Allez VA and Come on you Saint's !

The press after the match 2 National League: One goal, two saves, Sakhalou Niakaté's outstanding performance shines for Valenciennes The right-back made two crucial saves for his team before opening the scoring. He was the hero of the victory in Rouen. We don't know how many messages he received, but his phone nearly went haywire as he recounted his incredible evening. Sakhalou Niakaté certainly deserved the congratulations of his teammates from the youth academy, who will undoubtedly be talking about his performance in Rouen again when he comes to watch them play on Sunday against Saint-Amand in the top-of-the-table clash in the R1 league. In Normandy, he perfectly showed his teammates the way to win a big match. "A perfect evening" First, there were his two saves to keep his team in the game. Kenny Rocha's shot was about to go in (29th minute)? Niakaté headed the ball on the line with Jean Louchet beaten. Early in the second half, he had another chance to shine when, somehow, he tipped a ball over the bar that the whole stadium thought was heading for the goal (53rd minute). With a formidable opponent on his back, the imposing Ba Sy, Sakhalou Niakaté was pushed to his limits. "I asked everyone to do a little more, and he did, as he always does when I call on him," praised Stéphane Moulin. "And there you have it, three points!" The center-back by trade, deployed on the right in Rouen, also did that little something extra to stay true to his coach's vision: he opened the scoring and put Valenciennes on the path to victory. He won the corner after a thunderous 30-meter strike, which he promptly converted. "It's a perfect evening," he said, beaming, quickly bringing the joy of the moment back to the team. Niakaté's fine evening brought glory to Valenciennes and also rewarded a player who has been moving between the reserve team and the first team (6 matches, 2 goals) this season without getting carried away: "No matter where I play, I continue to work hard and I maintain the same determination. I only knew the day before the match that I was going to play; and there you have it, three points!" Simple as that.

The press after the match 1 National: "It's also for our fans," Valenciennes' huge upset in Rouen – now that's a team! VAFC celebrated a huge victory on the pitch of league leaders Rouen (2-1). Strong and united, the Valenciennes players returned home with all three points and proof that they are capable of great things. Could this be the true face of VA? Something always seems to happen on that Rouen pitch, which we're starting to think is blessed for VAFC. Two years after a French Cup quarter-final as crazy as it was historic, won on penalties, Valenciennes once again became a nightmare for the Normandy side, league leaders and only beaten once this season. This is a significant achievement for VA, who secured their first away win of the season. After so many evenings spent grimacing at performances or dwelling on setbacks, relief, joy, and the legitimate feeling of a job well done shook the locker room and the club's management in the stands. "We see what we're capable of." The happiness is immense, commensurate with the performance delivered in Normandy, given the hard-fought battle to return with such a full trophy. "I'm very proud of what the players showed," savored Stéphane Moulin. "There was solidarity, a desire to excel; when you put in the effort and believe in yourself, you see what you're capable of. We did just about everything right." The defense held firm under the pressure from the opposition before halftime. Niakaté, the standout player of the evening, cleared two balls off the line (29th, 53rd minutes), Louchet saved a close-range header (14th minute), and Valenciennes bent but didn't break. Often criticized this season, the Northerners displayed admirable solidarity this time, with clinical finishing to boot. Sakhalou Niakaté, rewarded for his outstanding performance, and then Stredair Appuah, with his first goal of the season, paved the way to victory for a team that also performed well in midfield and dug deep at the back. All of this feels like a turning point, one they'll need to confirm next week against Saint-Brieuc. Could this be the true face of Valenciennes? The future could be even brighter. In the meantime, VA is savoring the moment and looking ahead. "We know it's a tough time for them right now, so this is also a message for our supporters," said Stéphane Moulin with a smile. ROUEN – VALENCIENNES: 1-2 (0-0) Goals: Niakate (63'), Appuah (84') for Valenciennes, Fuss (90'+3) for Rouen Yellow cards: Passi (12'), Landre (43'), Louchet (79') for Valenciennes; Renel (90') for Rouen ROUEN: Temperton; Bouzamoucha, Goprou, Mendy; Goumot (Fuss 67'), Renel, Bezzekhami (Cartillier 82'), Bassin; Kéroudéan, Rocha (Guiry Egny 75'), Ba Sy. Foreign: Régis Brouard VAFC: Louchet; Niakate, Landre, Passi, Koum; Daubin (Boissier 75'), Maréchal, Rouai; El Hadary (Appuah 63'); Abi (Ipiele 82nd), Courtet (cap). Etr: Stéphane Moulin

Thank you for clarifying that, my friend. I didn't know that expression. 😅

Thank you for your congratulations, my friend! At this hour, there aren't any big restaurants open anymore, haha. 🤣

The match has just ended on the pitch in Rouen. A ray of sunshine in this difficult season with a 2-1 victory for Valenciennes. I can only hope that this victory will restore the players' confidence and morale. This result is unexpected, but it's three points that give us some breathing space and allow us to move away from the bottom of the table. We'll sleep well tonight and have a good weekend. Allez VA !

I'm not making the trip tonight, but the players have been there since last night and the few fans who are making the trip are on their way.

Have a good rest tonight, my friend! Let's hope for a good result indeed!

National League: "Even in R1, he was already a pro," says Thibault Maréchal, who seized his second chance at Valenciennes. Released by Lens in 2022, the midfielder returned to amateur football before bouncing back into the professional ranks at Valenciennes. Impressed by his determination, those who helped him relaunch his career are not surprised by his increasingly frequent appearances in the National League. Slowly but surely, Thibault Maréchal is making his mark. Without making a fuss, without demanding anything, the midfielder is gradually establishing himself in the National League squad. This will come as no surprise to those who regularly watch Valenciennes reserve matches, who quickly recognized his technical ability and work rate, clearly a cut above the rest in R1. A starter against Orléans, not in the squad the previous week in Le Puy but already in the starting eleven against Bourg-en-Bresse, Maréchal isn't yet a guaranteed starter, but his trajectory is upward, and he'll be traveling to face league leaders Rouen this Friday. Stéphane Moulin, who discovered him this season, quickly invited him to training, and his first minutes in the National league came at the end of October, during the victory against QRM. "After every match, the opposing coaches would come up to me and say, 'Who is this player?'" What struck me was how humble he was," said Benoît Cordiez, his coach at Aire three years ago. The journey has only just begun, but the path taken by the 23-year-old midfielder validates the dedication he showed after being released by Lens in 2022. Despite dozens of training sessions with the first team and regular appearances in the National 2 (fourth tier), Thibault Maréchal didn't make the cut. He never gave up on his ambition to reach the highest level. Originally from Aire-sur-la-Lys, he bounced back there to relaunch his career. "His cousin was on my team, and when I learned he wasn't being kept on by Lens, we contacted him, and he immediately became a driving force," recalls Benoît Cordiez, then coach at Aire. "After every match, opposing coaches would come up to me and say, 'Who is this player?'" What struck me was how humble he was. Because I've seen players who have reached the top and then come back down, and they tend to be self-absorbed. Not him at all, he worked harder than everyone else. In R1, he was already a pro. "His life revolves around this goal." To the point of paying for his own personal training sessions with a physical trainer in addition to the three weekly training sessions. Unsurprisingly, after a year, Maréchal moved up a level, to Pays de Cassel in N3, where the determination is the same. "He was a key player for us," testifies Samuel Goethals, the Cassel coach. "He has this goal of becoming a professional and has done everything to achieve it. It's impressive because in N3 you come across many players with that same attitude, but how many are truly ready to make the sacrifices? He's like that, rigorous, very disciplined, and has an impeccable lifestyle. His life revolves around this goal." As discreet as he is determined, the midfielder spent two seasons at Cassel before joining VA last summer, initially for the reserve team. “He’s a great player, that’s why we went after him,” said Pierre Blois, the VAFC coach in the R1 league, who hasn’t seen much of him lately. His career path and regional roots also make Thibault Marechal a breath of fresh air for a club that has often recruited far from home in recent seasons. “He’s a discreet guy, capable of putting the team first, but he’s also a true competitor,” added Samuel Goethals. Like him, Benoît Cordiez isn’t surprised by the trajectory his former player has taken. Perhaps a little more surprised by the speed with which he’s reached the National league. “Physically, he probably still needs to bulk up a bit because the physical demands are very high up there, but I’m convinced that if we give him time, he can still take his game to the next level.” » Rouen (1st) – Valenciennes (14th), Friday 7:30 pm, live on BFM Lille