Valenciennes

[ChristopheVAFC]

Quote

https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1732735/article/2026-08-29/ligue-3-il-manque-l-audace-valenciennes-et-un-vrai-grain-de-folie

Ligue 3: Valenciennes lacked daring—and a real touch of flair

Toothless, VA posed little threat to Concarneau this Saturday in a match devoid of life or spark (0-0). Pierre Blois’s men primarily needed to steady the ship following last week’s defeat against Paris 13; to their credit, they remained solid.

A few boos did drift down from the stands at the final whistle—nothing too harsh—but the supporters' section remained true to the stance it had adopted for its big return to the Stade du Hainaut (following the previous match against Bourg-en-Bresse). The order of the day is unconditional support for VAFC, even after a match notably lacking in moments of brilliance—to put it mildly. Truth be told, it was a thoroughly dull affair at the Stade du Hainaut, with neither side willing to take any risks.

"I prefer to see the glass as half-full"

Valenciennes, in particular, needed to regain some confidence after somehow managing to lose to Paris 13 despite enjoying 72% possession. "I prefer to see the glass as half-full," said Pierre Blois. "We picked up a point this Saturday, kept a clean sheet, and remain unbeaten at home." Training that week had focused primarily on these aspects: "being more solid, giving the opposition less space, and being sharper on second balls." Like model pupils well-briefed on the strengths of a Breton side now playing under the "Moulin method"—"I knew Stéphane would be waiting for us with his pacy forwards"—the "Red and Whites" were never really troubled, save perhaps for a header by Loïc Goujon that forced a save from Jean Louchet (58th minute).

It was something of a tit-for-tat moment, coming just two minutes after a free-kick from Thibault Maréchal had found Gaëtan Courtet’s head at the far post—though the effort went over the bar—sending a (slight) shiver down the spines of the Concarneau side. Otherwise, VA lacked the attacking initiative to cause any real alarm, save for a series of shots from Rayane Ekra—only one of which was on target. "In terms of attack, it’s not enough," admitted Pierre Blois, "but then again, Rome wasn't built in a day; it’s going to take time." The coach is also counting on the return of injured players and reinforcements from the transfer market to speed up the process. VA is back in action soon, with a match in Rouen this Thursday.

Pierre BLOIS and Stéphane MOULIN

VALENCIENNES – CONCARNEAU: 0-0.

Stade du Hainaut. 4,864 spectators.

Referee: Mr. Gazon.

Bookings: Passi (Valenciennes, 61st); Janno (Concarneau, 13th), Divialle-Corbière (Concarneau, 55th).

Valenciennes: Louchet; Abu, Passi (capt.), Zogba, Rocchia (Wahib, 87th); Rouaï, Maréchal; Amir (Lebouath, 78th), Marcel (Boiteau, 78th), Ekra (Lesueur, 87th); Courtet (Abi, 70th). Coach: Pierre Blois.

Concarneau: Viot; Halby-Touré, Seba, Divialle-Corbière, Etcheverria; Daou; Sidibé (Macon, 46th), Goujon (Gbelle, 90+4), Picouleau, Rosier (Mercier, 72nd); Janno (Varvat, 78th). Coach: Stéphane Moulin.

[ChristopheVAFC]

Hello everyone.

First of all, congratulations on yesterday's win against Millwall.

A look back at yesterday's match:

Since I wasn't at the stadium, I can't give you my own opinion, but from the many reports I've heard, it was a dull game with few chances—resulting in a draw that seemed almost inevitable...

I hope the arrival of Issa Tounkara and the new striker next week will add some extra quality to the team.

Valenciennes' next match: An away game against FC Rouen on Thursday, September 3rd, at 8:45 PM (French time).

As for my comparison between Tonda and Pierre, I mainly made that point because both had been reserve team coaches before being promoted to the first team. 🙃

Have a great Sunday, everyone.

Allez Valenciennes, all the way! 😎