This time the ax fell. Despite a success on the lawn of Brest (2-4) on Saturday evening for the last day of Ligue 1, Bordeaux finished the exercise in last place, with relegation to Ligue 2. Now another match starts for the management of the club with in sight the passage in front of the DNCG at the end of June. Former players are affected by the situation. This is particularly the case of François Grenet, the club’s former defender.
How did you experience the formalization of the relegation of the Girondins?
Francois Grenet. We knew the ax was going to fall. It’s always violent despite everything when it’s factual, endorsed. There are several feelings. There is sadness, confusion, frustration, anger too. It’s behind and now we have to look ahead.
On what basis should we start again sportingly for next season in Ligue 2?
Francois Grenet. We must already know if it will be Ligue 2 or something else. This has been mentioned, it is a reality. There is a passage in front of the DNCG which will be decisive. The young people of the club, the regional identity in the image of the boys trained at the club must be taken into account. Afterwards, Ligue 2 is very strong, harsh. It’s a struggle every weekend. So beyond the young people of the club, we also need seasoned players, and players mentally ready for a fight at all times and throughout the season. Afterwards, obviously we would like the club to rediscover historical values, with players trained at the club, and even more from the region.
The Ligue 2 championship begins on the weekend of July 30. Is it therefore urgent to think about the future?
Francois Grenet. That’s the difficulty, you have to act quickly, but not in haste. It’s not easy as long as we’re waiting for a decision. Nevertheless, the leaders know precisely the financial state of the club and must project themselves if they believe that this passage before the DNCG will go smoothly and will not go any lower. Two positions are priority and fundamental. Firstly the Sports Director or the recruitment cell, and the coach.