Pierre Sage launched hostilities last Friday, after his team’s walk against Angers (5-1) which allowed them to temporarily regain the place of leader of the championship: “We do not agree,” said the Artesian coach. I understand that having rest allows you to perform better, but it is a club which is very efficient, which is in a lot of competitions, so it knows the constraints. »
The reason for the wrath of the Sang et Or technician: the request for postponement of the Lens-PSG match, which could be decisive in the race for the title of champion of France by the capital club. Engaged in the quarter-final of the Champions League against Liverpool, Paris wishes to postpone this meeting scheduled for April 11, right between the two matches against the Reds.
In a press release released Monday evening in reaction to “the recent increase in speeches, interventions and various suggestions”, the management of the Artesian club indicated that “the Racing Club de Lens has, from the first requests, made known to Paris Saint-Germain its intention not to see this date modified. (The club) remains committed to fairness, clarity of rules and respect for all stakeholders. Simple principles, for loyal and respected French football. »
“We must respect Ligue 1”
Asked by The Teamthis Wednesday, the general director of Sang et Or Benjamin Parrot added a layer: “We have nothing against PSG, they are within their rights to make this request. Now, if the LFP does not defend Ligue 1, who will defend it? (…) That the LFP, guarantor of the competition, can have changing decisions, raises the question of sporting fairness. We realize that Ligue 1 becomes the adjustment variable for the Champions League. »
“We simply call the LFP to say that we must respect Ligue 1,” continues Benjamin Parrot. If we postpone this match to May 6 or 13, that would mean that we would not have a match for two weeks and that afterwards, we would have a series of meetings… When we postpone, normally both parties agree. For PSG to make the request is one thing, but for the LFP to accede to it at such an advanced stage of the season…”
In a post on LinkedIN, the president of RC Lens, Joseph Oughourlian, indicated that he had “few illusions”. The decision will be made by the LFP board of directors on Thursday morning. There will inevitably be someone disappointed.
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