Angers Midfielder Responds to Ben Arfa Criticism After Ligue 1 Defeat
Angers midfielder Cheikh Ndoye has hit back at comments made by Nice winger Hatem Ben Arfa following their clash on the 21st day of Ligue 1. After Nice secured a victory over the newly promoted side, Ben Arfa described Angers as “a team that doesn’t inspire dreams,” questioning why they spent so much of the match defending.
Speaking to Eurosport, Ndoye, the Senegalese international, defended his team’s approach. “He thinks and says what he wants. That’s his opinion, I have no problem with that,” Ndoye said. “I just say that we defend well, but we are also capable of producing good play.”
The exchange highlights the differing perspectives on Angers’ style of play. While Ben Arfa and Nice’s attacking approach emphasises fluidity and creativity, Angers has focused on organisation and defensive discipline, particularly against stronger sides in Ligue 1. Ndoye’s comments suggest that the team’s tactical approach is a deliberate choice, balancing defence with the ability to launch counter-attacks and create scoring opportunities.
For Angers, a newly promoted side, maintaining defensive solidity has been key to competing against more established Ligue 1 teams. Ndoye’s remarks underline the team’s pride in their structure and capability to perform under pressure, even when critics focus solely on their defensive orientation.
Ben Arfa, known for his attacking flair and outspoken views, had openly questioned Angers’ tactics after the defeat, implying a lack of ambition in their play. Ndoye’s measured response reflects both professionalism and a commitment to his team’s philosophy, emphasising that results and defensive organisation are as much a part of football success as attacking creativity.
The debate between offensive expression and defensive discipline is common in Ligue 1, particularly when promoted sides face teams with higher technical quality. Angers’ approach, while criticised by some opponents, has helped them secure valuable points in the league, reinforcing the strategic importance of their defensive organisation.
As the season progresses, the club will continue to balance pragmatism with ambition, while players like Ndoye stand as advocates for their tactical choices. Meanwhile, Ben Arfa’s comments serve as a reminder of the contrasting styles and opinions that make Ligue 1 both competitive and unpredictable.
The dialogue between the two players highlights not only the on-field clash but also the broader debate on playing philosophy, ambition, and strategy in French football. Angers, for their part, remain focused on executing their game plan while responding to critics with professionalism and confidence.
