Ligue 1

[Jair Ventura]

I read claims saying the French themselves are more into rugby than football, any truth to that?

I don't know, I'm not French. But I imagine having a consistently competitive club in the UCL will help with increasing interest in the league/sport.

 

[Jair Ventura]

Marseille, Lyon, Monaco, Bordeaux, and St. Etienne have no one but themselves to blame for the lopsidedness of the championship. Irrespective of PSG's presence, there's no reason these clubs should be performing so poorly.

 

[TornAndFrayed]

I read claims saying the French themselves are more into rugby than football, any truth to that?

only in some regions of the southwest.
But football isn't as popular as it is in Germany, England, Italy or Spain

 

[Lutece FC]

I read claims saying the French themselves are more into rugby than football, any truth to that?

Except in 1 or 2 regions (south west), football is more popular than rugby. There are more than 2 millions of people who have a football licence. Only 450 000 for rugby. But yes rugby is popular in France.

 

[Lutece FC]

L1 is sucked dry of its talents every year. It's mostly a money problem.

THis is the main problem. With high rate of taxes. But yes it's a question of money and philosophy.

If you compare with the Premier League, best academies are in France.

 

[El Flaco]

The gap betwen Monaco and 19th place Toulouse is 17 points.

The gap between Monaco and 1st place PSG is 19 points.

 

[Ghostmaster]

So PSG will win the league in January?

 

[Lutece FC]

So PSG will win the league in January?

In the end of February. They could focus on the important trophy : the Champions League.

 

[khaled_a_d]

In the end of February. They could focus on the important trophy : the Champions League.

That worked gr8 with Bayern last couple of years

 

[Jair Ventura]

That worked gr8 with Bayern last couple of years

Well, they did win the UCL.

 

[Jair Ventura]

Marseille looking to loan Lucas Ocampos to Fiorentina:

Serie A side Fiorentina have entered into discussions with Marseille over the possible loan of Argentinian winger Lucas Ocampos, according to multiple reports in Italy and RMC.

Marseille are happy to allow the player to leave on loan in principle, but the details of the exact nature of the loan are currently being negotiated. Ocampos is almost certainly going to be a mover this month.

http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2016/marseille-fiorentina-in-talks-over-lucas-ocampos-loan/


Newcastle is interested in signing Michy Batshuayi this winter, but he isn't interested in them:

Contrary to rather vague reports in The Sun this morning might suggest, Marseille have yet to receive any offer from Newcastle for striker Michy Batshuayi.

While the Magpies are interested in the player, the player is not interested in them nor is he interested in a move this month.

At the time of writing, Tottenham remain favourites for the player’s signature in the summer, owing to their good relationship with Marseille president Vincent Labrune and their persistent contact with Batshuayi’s entourage.

http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2016/no-newcastle-offer-for-michy-batshuayi/


Nicolas N’Koulou being pursued by Lazio:

According to Manu Lonjon of Foot Mercato, there is no agreement between Cameroonian defender and Marseille man Nicolas N’Koulou and Serie A side Lazio.

Despite reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport that suggest otherwise, Lonjon, who cites a source very close to the player, understands that no pre-contract agreement of any kind is in existence.

http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2016/no-agreement-between-nicolas-nkoulou-lazio/


Wahbi Khazri speaking on EPL interest:

“It is always nice to know that you are being watched, appreciated. But will that turn into concrete offers? We will see. For the moment I am very good at Bordeaux, I have the confidence of the group, the staff, which allows me to really enjoy myself here. But in football, it is clear, you can never say what tomorrow will bring… The team that is in last place in the league over there (Premier League) is better than the side that is 2nd or 3rd in Ligue 1 at the moment.”

http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2016/wahbi-khazri-talks-about-premier-league-interest/

 

[Jair Ventura]

Falcao may be headed back to Monaco:

http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/t...remiere-avancee-dans-le-dossier-falcao_169278

http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/t...et-fait-le-point-sur-le-dossier-falcao_169308


Michy Bats and Benjamin Mendy extend with Marseille through 2019 and 2020 respectively:

http://www.espnfc.us/story/2781326/michy-batshuayi-and-benjamin-mendy-sign-new-marseille-deals

 

[TornAndFrayed]

Marseille better sell bats this summer otherwise...

Otherwise typical marseille management

 

[Jair Ventura]

Claude Makélélé announced as Monaco's new technical director:

“I am very happy to join this important club in French football and in Europe. My meeting with Vadim Vasilyev was vital in my desire to join AS Monaco and this project based on the long-term. It is a new stage in my career and I am convinced that the new role of Technical Director fits me perfectly and will enable me to continue to progress. I am excited about the idea of working with a manager of such quality as Leonardo Jardim and with a promising squad. Monaco are looking to qualify for the Champions’ League every year and I will work hard to help them achieve their aims.”

http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2016/claude-makelele-appointed-monaco-technical-director/


They've also signed Vagner Love from Corinthians

http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2016/monaco-close-to-vagner-love-deal/

 

[StarLord]

For Ligue 1 experts, has there ever been a team in French League history that has led the table with the kind of gap that PSG are currently doing?