PARIS – Antoine Kombouaré has wasted no time making his mark at Paris FC, delivering a crucial 1-0 victory over Nice in his debut match as manager while simultaneously making several significant personnel decisions that have raised eyebrows. The win, secured Sunday at Stade Jean-Bouin, offers a vital boost in Ligue 1’s relegation battle, but it’s Kombouaré’s handling of the squad – specifically the omission of captain Maxime Lopez – that is generating considerable discussion.
The victory over Nice was a tense affair, pitting the 15th-placed Paris FC against 14th-placed Nice, highlighting the high stakes for both clubs. Marshall Munetsi scored the decisive goal in the 26th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after a mistake by Nice goalkeeper Maxime Dupé following a shot from Moses Simon. The result provides a much-needed three points for Paris FC as they navigate a challenging season.
Lopez Left Out of the Squad
Though, the on-field success was accompanied by a surprising decision from Kombouaré: the exclusion of Maxime Lopez from the matchday squad. Lopez, previously the team captain, was a notable absentee, a move that immediately sparked questions about the new manager’s plans. Kombouaré addressed the situation in an interview on RMC Sport, emphasizing that his decisions are based purely on sporting considerations.
“These are not definitive choices,” Kombouaré stated, as reported by Le Parisien. “Players are never excluded forever. These are decisions at a specific moment in time. I believe we have 33 players. The first difficulty is making decisions. Based on what I see in training, I make sporting choices. It’s up to them to work to gain back into the group and help us achieve victories.”
Demanding More from the Midfielder
Kombouaré was direct in his assessment of Lopez’s current form, outlining areas where he believes the midfielder needs to improve. “For you, these are huge choices, but I am just doing my job,” he explained. “I try to put the best players on the field. Maxime knows, I told him, today he has a lot of things to change in his game. He is capable of bringing more on the offensive plan, of scoring goals, of being at the receiving end of crosses. In his recent matches, he was playing too low in my opinion.”
The new Paris FC manager also sidelined Julien Lopez (Maxime’s brother), Willem Geubbels, and Timothée Kolodziejczak for the match against Nice, signaling a clear intent to reshape the squad according to his vision. Despite these initial exclusions, Kombouaré left the door open for Lopez’s return, stating he is “not excluded for fine.”
Work Ethic is Key
Kombouaré stressed the importance of dedication and hard work from all players vying for a place in the team. “It’s up to him to work to get back into the group. He chose this career as a footballer, I have no gifts to give or feelings to have. What interests me is how he reacts this week. He is working. I see that he still has difficulties because we have put in place quite solid sessions. The truth is to reach to training every day to work hard,” he concluded.
This uncompromising approach suggests Kombouaré intends to instill a strong work ethic and tactical discipline within the Paris FC squad. His tenure began with a clear message: performance in training and adherence to his tactical demands will be paramount in determining team selection. For a team battling relegation, this directness could prove crucial in galvanizing the players and securing vital points.
The situation with Lopez is particularly noteworthy, given his previous leadership role within the team. Removing a captain is a bold move, and it remains to be seen how Lopez will respond to the challenge laid down by his new manager. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Lopez can adapt to Kombouaré’s demands and reclaim his place in the starting lineup.
Looking Ahead to Lyon
Paris FC now prepares for a challenging away fixture against Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday at 20:45 local time (19:45 UTC). This match will provide a stern test of Kombouaré’s early impact and the team’s ability to build on their positive start. The encounter at Groupama Stadium will be a key indicator of whether Paris FC can maintain their momentum and climb further away from the relegation zone.
Kombouaré’s arrival has undeniably injected a new dynamic into Paris FC. His willingness to make tough decisions, coupled with his emphasis on hard work and tactical flexibility, suggests a manager determined to leave his mark. The coming months will reveal whether this approach can ultimately steer Paris FC to safety in Ligue 1.
