Rolland Courbis, the fiery coach of Montpellier, has sparked a major controversy with his outspoken criticism of Sochaux and their coach, Hervé Renard. Courbis took aim at Sochaux, describing them as a team that was “psychologically, football-wise, media-wise, and referee-wise prepared” to avoid relegation. He also didn’t hold back when speaking about the recent match between Montpellier and Sochaux, where Montpellier’s 2-0 win at Sochaux on January 18 was pivotal for their survival in Ligue 1.
He claimed that if Sochaux had won that game, Montpellier would have been the team fighting relegation in the final stages of the season. Courbis’ comments about Sochaux’s “sympathetic” treatment by everyone, including the media and the DNCG (the French financial body), were pointed, as he accused them of benefiting from external factors like the schedule and refereeing decisions.
On Hervé Renard, the coach known for leading Zambia to victory in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, Courbis praised his competence but questioned his ability to manage Sochaux, especially considering the team’s poor form. He sarcastically complimented Renard for taking Sochaux from 19th to 18th in the standings, suggesting it was hardly a remarkable feat.
The comments were particularly sharp about Renard’s style of coaching. Courbis poked fun at Renard’s preference for being the “hunter rather than the hunted,” suggesting that in the Montpellier match, Sochaux, the “hunted,” had come out victorious and left the “hunter” (Montpellier) in the dust. He then offered Renard a piece of “modest advice” to ensure that Sochaux doesn’t end up in Ligue 2 next season.
This outburst has certainly stirred up tensions between the two coaches and their respective teams, with Courbis’ remarks sure to fuel further animosity as the season draws to a close.
