Monaco-OL in China? Genesio is ironic and suggests going “to play on Mars”
The LFP’s idea of having the next Monaco-Lyon play in China was greeted with a good dose of cynicism and irony by Bruno Genesio, the Stade Rennais coach.
“On Mars. Let’s go to Mars …” Asked about the idea of the LFP to relocate the next Monaco-Lyon to China, in February, Bruno Genesio first handled irony this Friday at a press conference. Before detailing his answer and explaining why he is not really excited about this proposal.
“I understand that our leaders are looking for solutions to the financial problems affecting French football. Now we are in the French league, so go play a Ligue 1 match in China … Apart from the financial interest, I do not not really see what that can bring, and I wish the coaches good luck for the journey and the recovery. I do not think that the players and the coaches have been consulted “, commented the coach of Stade Rennais, who knows well the Chinese championship for being on the bench of Beijing Guoan between July 2019 and January 2021.
Genesio worrying about “the health of the players”
“The Chinese are football fans so they will be happy. Could the stadiums in China be filled with Ligue 1 posters? I’m not sure. It will be difficult if it’s in a 100,000-seat stadium. If it’s 30,000 or 40,000 places, it will be possible, “added the former OL coach. As revealed by L’Equipe and confirmed by RMC Sport, discussions will begin between the LFP and FIFA to try to find an agreement to play in China this Monaco-OL, scheduled for the weekend of February 6 in as part of the 23rd day of Ligue 1.
The two clubs, which have Chinese partners, have reportedly started discussions on this subject several months ago. “If the French clubs agree, it is because they see an interest in it, reacted Genesio. It all depends on the priorities. We can understand that there is a need for money, but is it worth it? the penalty for the health of the players and the show? “