The summer of 2023 was not just another one in the history of the RC Strasbourgrival of Ray in the semifinals of the Conference. BlueCoa group that a year earlier took ownership of the Chelseaspread its networks and set its sights on the French club to begin operating as a timeshare. A decision that changed the reality of the ‘Alsatian’ team… although all that glitters is not gold.
Champion of the Ligue 1 (78-79) and coupe on three occasions (50-51, 65-66 and 00-01), the Strasbourg It fell to the fourth category of French football back in 2011 and did not return to First until 17-18. A year later, he gave the surprise by conquering the League Cup before him Guingamp…earning the right to participate in the preliminary round of the Europa League. “We have come from afar and the road has not been easy,” acknowledged his coach. Thierry Laurey. They were charged to Maccabi Haifa and Lokomotiv Plovdiv…but they were knocked out in the third round against Eintracht.
Now for the 21-22, under the direction of Julien Stephenthey ended up posting a solid sixth place in Ligue 1. Their best classification since 79-80 (5th). However, the title of coupe conquered by Nantes deprived the Strasbourg of the possibility of competing. “The season is a success regardless of what happens,” said the French coach in the run-up to the clash against a OM that passed them by (4-0) on the last day.
That Strasbourg It was very different from what we know today. In fact, it had the third oldest staff in the Ligue 1 (26.8 years) only surpassed by that of Angers (27) and the PSG (27.5). A policy that changed radically with the arrival of BlueCo to the property. Since then, they are the second team in the five major leagues with the most players U21 has incorporated (41) until the average age of the squad has plummeted to 21.3 years. The youngest of the Big5.
Teams with the most U21 players incorporated since 2023TRANSFERMARKT
“This is an important day for the Strasbourg. Although there was no financial urgency, we were aware that we had reached the ceiling of our model and, if we wanted to continue projecting the club to another dimension, we needed to be accompanied by a solid structure capable of supporting our development,” he expressed. Mark Kellerformer player of Strasbourg and president of the club since 2012.
The results have not been long in coming. Last season they finished seventh in Ligue 1they classified a Conference League where they have reached the semifinals and have been on the verge of reaching the final of coupe after falling at home before the Nice. However, there is something that does not quite add up to some fans who feel that they have become a ‘satellite’ club of the Chelsea.
Marc Keller today is nothing more than a communicator in charge of defending BlueCo’s policy
Ultras Strasbourg statement
“Mark Keller He is no longer the master of the decisions of the club that he rebuilt a decade ago. Today he is nothing more than a communicator in charge of defending the politics of BlueCo“, several groups issued in a joint statement, such as Ultra Boys, which in recent months have carried out numerous acts of protest. The Stade de la MeinauYes, it is always packed to capacity. It is the stadium with the highest occupancy rate (100%) in the Ligue 1.
These criticisms have their foundation. Since the club became part of the BlueCo Groupup to 18 operations have occurred between Chelsea and Strasbourg: Petrovic, Andrey Santos, Diego Moreira, Kendry Páez, Mike Penders… A lot of them are players they never could have picked up. But they know what their useful life is within the club.
Confirmation of the transfer of Emegha to the Chelsea Once the last summer market closed, it already raised blisters. But, since then, a series of ‘goings-on’ have happened that have ended up igniting the fans. Among them, barter Sarr-Anselmino to reinforce the ‘blue’ defense in the winter market and, above all, the hiring of Rosenior as a replacement for Maresca on the bench Bridge.
His position was occupied by a Gary O’Neil that, in addition to having abolished the 1-3-4-3 of Rosenior to give way to a 1-4-2-3-1, he is advocating a more aggressive model in pressure (11.8 PPDA) and does not ‘chew’ attacks as much (18.7 vertical actions). But, despite the good situation that Strasbourg is going through on a sporting level, the club’s social mass does not feel represented.
Strasbourg radar with O’Neil and RoseniorDRIBLAB PRO
“They promised us that Strasbourg could now afford to retain its best players,” these groups of fans also said. “The fact that Rosenior get on the bandwagon Chelsea “He is a symbol of everything that is wrong with modern football and, especially, with timeshare.” On the horizon, a possible signing of ‘Colo’ Boat in the direction of Chelsea and the more than probable return of transfer of Mike Penders.
Rayo Vallecano and Strasbourg They seem to belong to two completely different levels within the world of football. But, although for different reasons, if they have something in common it is that their fans fight, fight and show their disagreement with the decisions made by their leaders. About 1,650 kilometers separate them. But deep down, perhaps, they are not so different.
