Ligue 1: FC Metz bets on Benoît Tavenot to avoid relegation, Lens leads, PSG struggles in Champions League

FC Metz, currently at the bottom of Ligue 1 and two points away from the relegation playoff spot, has just announced a crucial change on its bench. After a highly disappointing start to the season, marked by a 2-1 defeat in Strasbourg, the club has decided to part ways with Stéphane Le Mignan, appointed in July 2024, as technical director. Benoît Tavenot, former assistant to Frédéric Antonetti at FC Metz between 2019 and 2022, will take over on an interim basis for six months in an attempt to save Les Grenats from relegation.

Bernard Serin, president of FC Metz, explained this decision during a press conference: « We believed Benoît Tavenot was the right man for the job, the one who could correct this situation as quickly as possible. We know Benoît’s qualities, what he achieved in Dijon, his first season in Bastia. And he knows the club—that was a decisive factor. » The president acknowledged the difficulty of letting Le Mignan go, praising his 18 months of dedication while highlighting the defensive frailties that undermined their offensive game plan.

For his part, Benoît Tavenot stated: « There’s no question about it. I’m here because survival is possible, plain and simple. » He expressed confidence in the squad and a determination to secure survival at all costs: « We have players who can win matches. Obviously, we need to concede fewer goals. Changes are needed in that area. Everyone must realize that FC Metz deserves to be in Ligue 1, and we must do everything to stay there. I’m deeply convinced of this, but words won’t be enough. Everyone must improve to meet the challenge. First answers will come this Sunday against Lyon. »

The new coach will retain the current staff for now. « I have complete trust in Frédéric Arpinon, Hélène Schrub, and the president. They told me these are hardworking, committed people. I have no reason to make changes. We’ll start like this, » Tavenot said. He will begin his tenure with a series of individual meetings and a first training session already deemed positive, where he did not sense a psychologically defeated group.

Benoît Tavenot, who had a difficult experience at Bastia in Ligue 2—dismissed in October after a poor start to the season—also draws on the legacy of Frédéric Antonetti, whom he worked alongside at FC Metz. « He’s a great French coach... and he certainly influenced me in terms of content, vision, and analysis. We have differences too; I’m not a carbon copy. But I can’t deny Fred’s legacy, » he affirmed.

While Metz battles for survival, RC Lens continues to dominate at the top of the league. The northern club won its last match against AJ Auxerre (1-0), maintaining a one-point lead over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The latter also secured a victory, defeating Lille thanks to a standout performance from Ousmane Dembélé. Olympique de Marseille remains ambitious with a flamboyant style of play ahead of decisive Champions League matches, while Lyon stays in the race just two points off the podium.

However, PSG faces a tough situation in the Champions League after a 2-1 defeat in Lisbon against Sporting. This loss seriously complicates their direct qualification for the Round of 16. Even a win against Newcastle in the final matchday might not guarantee their spot due to results from other contenders. PSG risks entering the last stage tied on points with the 9th-placed team in their group, putting them in a precarious position despite a +10 goal difference.

As Lens defends a comfortable lead in Ligue 1, the relegation battle intensifies with Benoît Tavenot’s appointment at Metz, while PSG must redouble its efforts to avoid jeopardizing its European campaign. The French championship remains wide open, delivering suspense at both the top and bottom of the table.