Metz coach criticizes captain harshly

The interview that Matthieu Udol gave after the 2-1 defeat in the first leg of the promotion-relegation play-offs did not sit well with Metz coach Laszlo Bölöni.

The captain claimed that Metz could not match Saint-Étienne's will and intensity on the pitch. "Lack of willpower? That's a professional blunder," a furious Bölöni said to BeIN Sports. "His contract should be terminated. How can he say that?"

Bölöni was particularly incensed because Udol, who has been a stalwart for Metz throughout his career except for a loan spell at Belgian side RFC Seraing, should have been setting an example for the team. Bölöni went on to blame the 28-year-old captain for the second goal conceded by Metz, which has put them in serious danger of relegation to Ligue 2. "He made a mistake there," Bölöni emphasized, holding Udol responsible for a critical error.

The tension within the club is palpable as they face the prospect of relegation, which would be a significant setback for a team with aspirations of playing in the top tier of French football. The critical play-off matches have placed immense pressure on both the players and the coaching staff, highlighting the high stakes involved.

In the midst of this turmoil, there was a notable development on Thursday with the announcement that Georges Mikautadze will remain with the team for now. The Georgian forward, who has shown great promise, was bought by Metz as they activated the purchase option of around thirteen million euros to bring him back after a loan period. This move is seen as a significant investment by Metz in their bid to strengthen the squad.

However, speculation is already rife about a possible resale of Mikautadze, with AS Monaco being one of the interested parties. This potential transfer could provide Metz with a financial boost, but it also raises questions about the stability and future direction of the team.

The situation at Metz is a microcosm of the challenges faced by many football clubs balancing the pressures of competition, financial constraints, and the need for strong leadership both on and off the pitch. As Metz prepares for the crucial return leg of the play-offs, the team will need to regroup and find the resolve to overcome the obstacles ahead.