Valenciennes have dismissed head coach Pierre Blois despite securing a resounding 13-0 victory over CS Habarcq in the fifth round of the Coupe de France. The emphatic win had secured the club a place in the sixth-round draw, but it did not save Blois from losing his job. Currently sitting 15th in the Ligue 3 standings, the northern French club has decided to make a change in the dugout.
VAFC announced the decision in an official statement released on Monday, October 12. “VAFC announces that Pierre Blois has been relieved of his duties in charge of the first team, effective Monday, October 12,” the club stated.
The announcement came despite the team’s commanding performance in the cup, leaving supporters to question the timing of the decision.
Valenciennes have appointed Samuel Goethals as interim manager of the professional squad, with Rudy Mater serving as his assistant. The new coaching staff will take charge as the club prepares for its upcoming fixtures and awaits the draw for the sixth round of the Coupe de France. Goethals now faces the task of improving Valenciennes’ league position while maintaining the team’s momentum in the cup competition.
