Bastia Coach Claude Makelele Faces Early Setback Amid Transfer Tensions
Claude Makelele’s tenure as head coach of SC Bastia has hit a rocky patch, just weeks into his first managerial role. The former France international and ex-assistant to Laurent Blanc is already facing challenges, notably surrounding goalkeeper Nicolas Penneteau.
Penneteau, formerly of Valenciennes and a Bastia youth product, revealed details of a failed move back to the Corsican club, blaming internal conflict and a lack of authority given to Makelele over transfer decisions.
Speaking to Corse-Matin, the veteran goalkeeper said Makelele personally invited him to join the squad earlier in July. “Claude Makelele told me he was considering putting a Belgian goalkeeper on trial. If that didn’t work out, I would become his priority. He called me later that evening to come train, as the trial hadn’t gone well. I took part in a session and was hopeful,” Penneteau explained.
However, just hours after that training session, Makelele informed Penneteau that the club’s board had vetoed the move. The 33-year-old goalkeeper expressed his frustration, highlighting a disconnect between the coach and the club’s hierarchy.
“What upsets me most is that I was told the sporting decisions would be the coach’s alone. Clearly, that’s not the case. I was disappointed to see Claude Makelele, a man with such an illustrious career, having to deliver a decision that was not his. It lacked class — especially for a local player trained at the club.”
Penneteau, who made over 200 appearances for Bastia between 1997 and 2006, voiced his disappointment at how the situation was handled, adding that the board appeared to undermine Makelele’s authority in technical matters.
The incident raises concerns about internal dynamics at Bastia and whether Makelele will be given the autonomy he needs to lead effectively. For a man of his pedigree, including Champions League and World Cup finals appearances, Makelele had hoped to build a new legacy on the bench. But early signs suggest the path may not be smooth.
SC Bastia have yet to comment officially on the matter.
