Decided last September, the disappearance of the League Cup was greeted with a certain indifference. A vector of superfluous fatigue, unattractive competition, a product that is difficult to monetize, the competition seemed to have all the faults. However, the latter also had some qualities, to hear certain observers, quite rare it is true, sad at the idea of seeing it disappear.
“The so-called clubs modest will soon regret it, believes Alex Dupont, coach of Gueugnon during the legendary victory in the final against PSG (2-0) in 2000. Strasbourg, titled last season, was able to compete in a European Cup while it is difficult to qualify through the championship. “
“What is paradoxical is that the biggest clubs who wanted its removal have always played and almost always won,” says Jean-Pierre Caillot, president of the Stade de Reims. Often I attend the final and never have I felt indifference from my fellow presidents when receiving the Cup. “
“In terms of emotion, it was something strong”
For the Champagne president, there was no question of a cheap test: “I can hear the arguments of my fellow presidents, some of which are questionable, but emotionally, it was something strong. For the sports enthusiast that I am, a trophy is a trophy and lifting a cup has more flavor than winning a championship. This season, we hosted PSG for a sold-out semi-final and a whole city dreamed of moving to the Stade de France. I also think back to my confusion after eliminating Strasbourg on penalties in the quarter… These are moments of emotion that we will miss. “
“The argument of too many games for major clubs does not hold, believes Dupont. The large did not enter the competition in the first round and were also protected. The English would laugh at this argument … “” It was the opportunity to seek a European qualification in four games, or even only three, underlines on the contrary Caillot. And then, having been in Ligue 2 for a long time, I know how welcoming a Ligue 1 team was a ray of sunshine, at the same time as a welcome little ticket in the budget… ”
For the spectators and the televiewers, it is a little confiscated thrill… “In the opinion and among the supporters, there was not a big difference between Coupe de la Ligue and Coupe de France,” notes Caillot. Former President of the League (2002-2016), Frédéric Thiriez stressed Wednesday in L’Equipe that the League Cup, broadcast on France Televisions, also remained “the only free window on professional football”.
The ultimate snub for its exit, the last final will bring considerable stakes this Friday evening. In the event of victory, OL will ensure a European presence at the last minute. In the event of Parisian success, it is in Reims, 6th in Ligue 1, that the last ticket for the Europa League will return. What does not fail to amuse Jean-Pierre Caillot: “I will have adrenaline but Jean-Michel Aulas will have even more than me …”
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