Back in Ligue 2 after losing the play-off against AS Saint-Etienne (2-1, 2-2), FC Metz congratulated the Greens in their own way, who broke part of the ceiling of the Saint-Etienne stadium Symphorian.
The morale of FC Metz followers is at its lowest this Monday morning. Only one year after having experienced the joys of a return to Ligue 1, the Grenats are making the elevator and are already returning to Ligue 2 at the end of the play-offs against Saint-Etienne (2-1 defeat in the first leg, match draw 2-2 on the return). A return to the elite worthily celebrated by the Greens, who turned their locker room at Saint-Symphorien upside down, like two ceiling grilles which gave way.
A lack of attention which exasperated the Lorraine club, in a grumpy mood the day after the meeting. “Congratulations on your rise to Ligue 1 and thank you for your visit,” wrote the FCM on the social networks X, accompanied by a photo of the locker room in question.
Metz in Ligue 2 with or without Bölöni?
Not only are the two ceiling grilles suspended, but a lot of waste, such as cans and packaging, is still on the table… right next to the trash can, clearly visible.
Disappointed after the scenario of this barrage, the Metz players left the pitch with their heads bowed, some unable to let their tears escape. For his part, Metz coach Laszlo Bölöni did not want to look any further into his future, which for the moment runs until 2025 with the Garnets. But will he remain the captain of the ship next year to try to return to Ligue 1? “I know what you want to hear from me. But don’t touch this subject, because you’re hurting me with it. Of course I’ll talk to my leaders. We have things to settle, meetings to take”, he simply announced at a press conference.
Put in the history books
Officially relegated since Sunday to Ligue 2, the Lorraine club is the champion of the back and forth between first and second divisions in the 21st century, with seven descents in 25 years. This is even a record among the five major European championships, ahead of clubs like Norwich City (England), Empoli (Italy), Real Valladolid (Spain) and FC Cologne (Germany).
Including its descent into National, in 2012, Metz experienced eight relegations and seven rises in total – including six lifts -, never managing to stay in the elite for more than three seasons (2003 to 2006 then 2019 to 2022).
