In England, Ligue 1 is progressing in fairly impressive anonymity. Unsurprisingly, the French championship is rarely watched in a country where the Premier League dominates the small screen. The recent departures of several stars from the championship have also led to a lack of media interest in French teams. Reporting from Manchester.
“Do you know if Khusanov is not bad?” Between two sips of beer, leaning on his small table at 'Yates', a bar in Manchester city centre, Declan, a City fan, asks himself questions about his club's recruitment for this winter transfer window. With his eyes glued to the television which is broadcasting his team's away match, this “Skyblues” supporter has never seen the Lens player playing on a football field. Another fan, posed to his right, confirms Declan's analysis: “Here, the French Ligue 1 is invisible. We have the best spectacle in the world before our eyes (the Premier League, editor's note), why look elsewhere? If I “I want to skip, I can sometimes watch Real or Bayern”.
The city center pubs do not broadcast any Ligue 1 matches. And the French championship can hardly compete with the best European championships in terms of exposure in this country passionate about football. However, last summer, the LFP launched a pass to watch all the matches, at the price of 9.90 pounds per month (or 11.80 euros). “I have the impression that it is above all an access for the French community which is quite important in the United Kingdom”, confides a French subscriber to this OTT offer.
Ligue 1… recruiters
Some supporters still cite Brest's great adventure in the Champions League, proof that nothing is lost. But which player from the French championship speaks to the English? “There must be good old Lacazette,” confides Declan. Most of the supporters interviewed in Manchester on site will cite Luis Enrique (the PSG coach, editor's note) and Ousmane Dembélé as “stars” of the French championship. Whether United or City fans, none wish to address or comment on the good performances of Englishman Mason Greenwood with Olympique de Marseille.
-Daniel, a member of the “French Branch” of Manchester City, confides that some “of his friends” have taken out a subscription to watch Ligue 1. In particular Losc fans based in Manchester. “The departure of Kylian Mbappé is a huge blow for the exposure of the French championship,” analyzes a Manchester City manager. And added: “For a recruiter, it’s the championship to watch, for the general public, it’s not useful.” Pep Guardiola's club always keeps a close eye on the French championship, considered, according to this club manager, as a “very good” provider of talent with “excellent” training centers.
Nicolas Pelletier in Manchester (United Kingdom)
