Chelsea owners still hated: Strasbourg boss fumes

Tom Weber

Updated: 7 Oct 2024 15:18 BST
3 min read

Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali, Chelsea, Strasbourg — © IMAGO

Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior has criticised fans for protesting against BlueCo.

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The Chelsea owners added Strasbourg to their club portfolio last year in what proved a hugely unpopular decision in Alsace and France at large. With Troyes having suffered under City Football Group and Nice having been a story of unfulfilled potential under INEOS, supporters are suspicious of multi-club models.

When Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali acquired the Ligue 1 side, the decision was met with widespread protests in the fanbase but that did little to deter the American businessmen. Off the back of a dismal first season under BlueCo, things have improved this term after unprecedented spending, but the mood among the ultras has not changed.

Protests continue at pretty much every match in one form or another and Strasbourg supporters have made common cause with rival fans in boycotting the atmosphere at games to send a message to club bosses.

© IMAGO - Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly

Rosenior hits back at fans

Home and away fans at the Stade de la Meinau refuse to chant or generate any kind of atmosphere during the first 15 minutes on matchdays and this, it has been claimed, is affecting performances on the pitch.

Strasbourg find themselves in an encouraging seventh place in the Ligue 1 standings after going four games without defeat. However, on Sunday, the Alsatians only mustered a frustrating 2-2 draw with RC Lens in which the home side conceded within the first five minutes.

This, unsurprisingly, prompted questions about the atmosphere in the ground, to which head coach Liam Rosenior has now responded, scolding fans for the lack of support.

“Yes, I think that my players suffer from a lack of atmosphere in the first 15 minutes," the former Premier League defender said. "I think that everyone working around the club wants it to be successful in the long term. We all need to be together to make this club grow. This talented group deserved to be supported from the opening minutes."

It is unlikely that his plea will have an effect on the hardcore supporters who have been protesting against BlueCo for over a year.