Liam Rosenior’s Impact on Strasbourg: A Divided Fanbase and a European Challenge
The Silent Protest and Fan Divisions
Since BlueCo bought RC Strasbourg Alsace in 2023, the club’s fanbase has been divided. Fans have remained silent during the first 15 minutes of matches to protest against the multi-club ownership model. However, factions have emerged at the Meinau Stadium, with some fans no longer adhering to the hardline stance of silence during the opening exchanges. This division is largely attributed to the success of Liam Rosenior, the club’s manager, who has led the youngest squad in Ligue 1 to a European challenge.
The Role of Ultras Group UB90
Ultras group UB90, BlueCo’s most ardent opponents in the stands, remain vocal outside the ground, contesting the strategy implemented at Strasbourg and opposing the wider philosophy that ties them in a multi-club project with Chelsea. Despite their vocal opposition, the ultras stayed quiet during a goalless draw with fellow European challengers Brest. This silence, however, did not extend to all corners of the ground, highlighting the growing divide among fans.
Rosenior’s Pragmatic Approach
Rosenior has trodden carefully, understanding fans’ concerns while also toeing the party line. He has defended the owners and confirmed their good intentions, but the success on the field has won over many of the sceptics. Strasbourg have picked up 20 points in their last nine league games, only PSG have won more in that time, and they are now in the driving seat to qualify for Europe.
Key Players and Tactical Mastery
Rosenior has been the linchpin of the success. Young players tend to be inconsistent, but Rosenior fields the youngest XI in the league most weeks and his team are solid. Only the current top four have lost fewer games than Strasbourg this season. The Englishman has also been pragmatic, holding on to “values” but changing the playing style when required and creating an exciting transitional side.
Standout Performers
Andrey Santos, the leading tackler in Ligue 1 and one of the best in Europe, has been crucial for Strasbourg. Dilane Bakwa, who has the most assists in Ligue 1, has been electric on the wings. Emanuel Emegha has 10 league goals, a versatile skillset, and a volume of running that is difficult for defenders to handle. Diego Moreira’s positional versatility is essential for Rosenior, and Guéla Doué and Mamadou Sarr have been rocks at the back, protecting Djordje Petrovic, who is thriving on loan after a middling season at Chelsea.
The Financial Aspect
BlueCo have constructed a more coherent squad at Strasbourg than they have at Chelsea – at a fraction of the cost. This financial efficiency has not gone unnoticed by the fans, who are increasingly seeing the benefits of the multi-club ownership model.
The Path to Europe
The draw against Brest wasn’t one for the neutrals, with the first shot on target for either side coming in the 82nd minute. Strasbourg only registered three shots in the game, their joint-lowest total in Ligue 1 since Opta began taking records. However, the result does their chances of reaching the Europa League or Conference League no harm. They are seventh in the table, above Lens and Brest, who look to be their biggest challengers in the run-in.
The Future of Strasbourg
In an upside-down world, qualification for Europe would not silence the doubters – it would make them louder. Rosenior, in his debut season at Strasbourg, in his first job outside of England, is already turning doubters into believers.
Quick Guide: Ligue 1 Results
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Nantes vs Lens | 3-1 |
| Le Havre vs Toulouse | 1-4 |
| Nice vs Montpellier | 2-0 |
| Strasbourg vs Brest | 0-0 |
| Lyon vs PSG | 2-3 |
| Lille vs Monaco | 2-1 |
| Saint-Étienne vs Angers | 3-0 |
| Auxerre vs Marseille | 3-0 |
| Rennes vs Reims | 1-0 |
Talking Points: Backroom Bickering and Ref Controversies
Lyon vs PSG: The Textor-Al-Khelaifi Row
Backroom bickering took centre-stage in the buildup to the Lyon vs PSG game on Sunday night. Lyon president John Textor continued his row with his opposite number, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, claiming that “PSG’s finance model is illegal” and threatening to take the case to the European Court of Justice. Before the game, a transcript and video of a tense meeting in July between the major stakeholders in French football was leaked, in which Al-Khelaifi referred to Textor as a “cowboy.” Textor made a theatrical entrance to the game, donning a cowboy hat and doffing it to a jubilant home crowd.
Marseille’s Ref Controversy
If Marseille were angry with the referee before the game, they were furious with him after it. Stinat sent off Marseille defender Derek Cornelius, with Roberto De Zerbi’s men 1-0 down at the time. “It was scandalous,” said De Zerbi. “The referee was not serene during the match. Perhaps past controversies influenced his decisions. None of the referees were up to scratch for a game of this level. I hope Cornelius’s red card won’t be seen outside France because it gives a bad image of French football.” The Marseille president, Pablo Longoria, went further, saying: “This is corruption. It’s planned. It’s rigged. This is a shitty league.” He even threatened to take the club out of Ligue 1 should the offer to join a Super League arrive. The FFF has called his comments “unacceptable” and Ligue 1 referees have announced they will launch a joint complaint for defamation. Longoria’s antics have created a smokescreen, masking the fact that Marseille are definitely out of the title race and now just three points clear of third-placed Nice.
Did You Know?
Liam Rosenior’s pragmatic approach to managing a young squad has been a key factor in Strasbourg’s success. His ability to adapt playing styles and maintain a cohesive team spirit has won over many fans, despite initial resistance to the multi-club ownership model.
Pro Tips for Managers
- Understand Fan Sentiment: Engage with the fanbase to understand their concerns and address them openly.
- Adapt Tactical Strategies: Be flexible with your playing style to adapt to different situations.
- Invest Wisely: Build a strong squad at a fraction of the cost by focusing on young talent and versatility.
FAQ Section
Q: What is the multi-club ownership model?
A: The multi-club ownership model involves a single entity owning multiple football clubs, often across different leagues and countries. This allows for shared resources, talent development, and strategic collaboration.
Q: Why are some fans protesting against the multi-club ownership model?
A: Some fans are concerned about the potential for resource allocation to be skewed in favor of one club over another, as well as the dilution of club identity and fan engagement.
Q: How has Liam Rosenior managed to win over the fans?
A: Rosenior has managed to win over the fans through his pragmatic approach, tactical flexibility, and the success of his young squad on the field. His ability to adapt and deliver results has been crucial in changing the perception of the multi-club ownership model among the fanbase.
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