In a surprising turn of events in French football, Valenciennes, a third-division club, has decided to terminate the contract of coach Pierre Blois just two days after his team achieved a record 13-0 victory over amateur side CS Habarcq in the fifth round of the French Cup.
Despite this resounding success, which secured advancement in the competition, the management opted for a change due to unsatisfactory results in the league. The decision was officially announced on Monday, October 12, through a statement from the club.
Coach Dismissed After Historic Win
Valenciennes showcased an impressive performance on Saturday in the French Cup, defeating amateur team CS Habarcq by an astonishing 13-0 away from home. At halftime, Blois’s team was already leading 6-0, and they added another seven goals in the second half, marking the largest victory in the club’s history in official matches.
However, just 48 hours after this historic achievement, the club announced the dismissal of its head coach. “Valenciennes FC informs that Pierre Blois has been relieved of his duties regarding the management of the first team effective Monday, October 12,” the club’s official statement read.
Samuel Goethals will serve as the interim coach, assisted by Rudy Mater, during the search for a new head coach.
Reason for Dismissal: League Struggles
Beyond the remarkable cup victory, the situation in the league has been dire for Valenciennes. After nine matches in the French third division, the team sits in 15th place with only 8 points out of a possible 27. Their record includes two wins, two draws, and five losses, with 9 goals scored and 14 conceded, placing them just one point above Aubagne, the first team in a relegation zone.
