Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News
Caen, considered one of France’s most traditionally important golf equipment, is mired in a disaster that threatens its very existence in Ligue 2. Simply months after Actual Madrid famous person Kylian Mbappe acquired a majority stake within the membership, the state of affairs on and off the pitch has spiraled uncontrolled. With followers staging protests, a turbulent managerial transition, and the looming risk of relegation to France’s third tier, the dream of revitalizing Caen has changed into a harsh actuality for Mbappe and the membership’s supporters.
In August 2023, the France captain made headlines when he bought an 80% stake in SM Caen for €15 million. This transfer, whereas sudden, was fueled by his want to diversify his ventures past taking part in and spend money on the way forward for soccer. Preliminary pleasure surrounded the acquisition, with followers recalling Mbappe’s close to transfer to Caen as a teen and envisioning a revitalized future for the membership.
“There may be clearly a Kylian impact,” mentioned Pierre-Antoine Capton, a minority shareholder, shortly after the takeover. “We wish to make the membership much more skilled and assist it progress.”
Nonetheless, optimism rapidly gave method to disillusionment because the Vikings’ fortunes spiraled. After a powerful preseason narrative of ambition, the membership’s Ligue 2 marketing campaign started with a string of disappointing performances, leaving them battling relegation quite than chasing promotion.
Mbappe’s mismanagement and backlash
Probably the most contentious factors of Mbappe’s tenure has been his dealing with of managerial adjustments. In December 2023, Caen parted methods with Nicolas Seube, a beloved determine who had served the membership for over 20 years. Seube’s dismissal was communicated via a quick, five-sentence assertion, sparking outrage amongst followers and former gamers alike.
The appointment of Bruno Baltazar as Seube’s alternative additional fueled discontent. Baltazar, with restricted managerial expertise and a questionable monitor file in Polish soccer, has didn’t encourage confidence. Since his arrival, the crew has but to win a match, scoring only one purpose in 4 video games.
Fan protests escalate
The frustration of Caen supporters has been palpable. On the January 3 match towards Clermont, followers unveiled a sequence of banners aimed immediately on the Actual Madrid star. “Right here, onerous work and loyalty are the one issues that make legends,” learn one. One other acknowledged bluntly: “Mbappe, SMC will not be your toy.”
The anger reached a boiling level after a 1-0 loss to Guingamp this Friday, January 24. Ultras stormed the pitch in protest, demanding accountability from gamers and administration. The membership’s refusal to satisfy with followers earlier than the match additional strained relations.
“Anger and concern have taken over us,” mentioned a press release from Malherbe Normandy Kop, one of many membership’s extremely teams. “Following insufficient recruitment, an unresponsive possession, and gamers who don’t appear to battle, we really feel deserted.”
As of January 2025, SM Caen sits second from the underside in Ligue 2, six factors adrift of security. With 15 matches remaining, the crew faces an uphill battle to keep away from relegation to the third division. The prospect of dropping to such a low degree wouldn’t solely be a blow to the membership’s legacy but additionally a damning indictment of Mbappe’s stewardship.
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