Like in the old days. This Sunday noon, thousands of Bordeaux supporters will converge on the Matmut Atlantique, this ultra-modern but eccentric stadium which has attracted so much criticism, like almost everything related to the Girondins for years. This gala match of the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France will remind the oldest that the club has already won the event four times, a vestige of a glorious past also garnished with six national titles and a European final.
But if there was a need to remind that times have changed, coach Bruno Irles does it: “ Rennes is a good preparation match for Locminé. » Locminé, the Bordelais' next opponent in the National 2 championship at the start of January, the real priority at the moment…
A seriously ill institution
Last summer, Godot was called Fenway, the name of the American investment fund supposed to buy the Girondins from Gérard Lopez, the highly contested Luxembourg businessman. Everyone waited for it, Fenway did not come, leaving behind its promise of 70 million euros, almost vital for a company over-indebted (more than 100 million euros). Resident of Ligue 2 with an indecent lifestyle, the club was demoted to National 2 at the end of an incredible series.
A stopgap given the context, but he had to abandon his professional status, his training center along the way and multiply the actions in order to avoid liquidation. A major social plan led to the departure of nearly 90 employees, including those of local legends such as Patrick Battiston, forty years with the company, unfortunate hero of Seville 1982 and dedicated manager. The remaining twelve stick together in the deserted offices of Haillan, a sumptuous estate from a bygone era which could be partly recovered by the municipality.
At the end of January, Gérard Lopez will appear before the commercial court again. He will have to detail a plan for continuing the activity over ten years with payment of the debt spread out, otherwise the institution founded in 1881 will disappear. Asked by the JDD, he did not respond to our request for an interview.
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A precarious sporting situation
It was in… National 3 that the season began in a chaotic atmosphere. Faced with a shortage of players, the Girondins forfeited on the first day. Some veterans like Rio Mavuba (40 years old) then decided to put on their crampons again to avoid the worst. “If we had also forfeited the second match, it would have meant removal from the competition”will confide the former international midfielder (13 caps) before “pass the baton” once the presence in National 2 is confirmed. A providential helping hand worthy of entering the club's history.
Since then, the squad has been rebuilt around young people on a mission, repatriated executives like captain Cédric Yamberé and an improbable attraction: the former star of West Ham and the England team Andy Carroll, 35 years old. , who does not hesitate to say that playing in Bordeaux for him “costs money”but who does not hide his joy at scoring doubles against Châteaubriant or Saumur “for the love of football and a great French club”. Despite this shaky team, the team, currently third, is aiming to move up to National as quickly as possible.
A stale atmosphere in the stands
As if things were not already complicated enough, the ultras supporters groups decided to do their part. For months, relations between the historic Ultramarines (south turn) and the newcomers North Gate (north turn) have been execrable. High point, the post-match against Guingamp last February which degenerated with mortar fire, violence and injuries on both sides. The first say they are attacked, the second disadvantaged by the club…
Pathetic, the situation has become untenable, especially during away meetings when rival associations have to coexist in the same yard. The authorities came to the decision with a total ban on travel until further notice. As for this match against Rennes, the threat of a closed session loomed until the signing on December 14 of a “non-aggression pact” under the aegis of the prefecture and management. This 2024 vintage will remain as one of the most disgusting in the long history of the Girondins, hoping that 2025 will simply not be the last.
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