Ligue 1: Tribute to Rolland Courbis, Paris Derby Confirmed, Tensions at OM, and Remembering Alain Orsoni in Ajaccio

Rolland Courbis, an iconic figure in French football, recently passed away at the age of 72. His time at Montpellier HSC remains unforgettable, particularly due to his close bond with former club president Louis Nicollin. Nicollin famously declared: « I prefer Courbis to Ancelotti! Yes, he won titles, but he had grit. Great coaches win with average players. With Courbis, we reached Ligue 1 with a team of half-wits. » This statement underscores the trust and admiration Nicollin had for Courbis, whom he brought to Montpellier between 2007 and 2009, a period during which the club secured promotion to Ligue 1.

The Paris Derby Returns in 2026

A long-awaited event has been confirmed: the Paris Saint-Germain vs. Paris FC derby will return to Ligue 1 in 2026. The first clash is set for January 4, 2026, at the Parc des Princes, followed by the return fixture at Stade Jean-Bouin on May 16. This revival comes 47 years after their last league meeting in the 1978-79 season, which ended in two draws. The derby’s return promises to electrify Parisian fans and reignite the capital’s footballing passion.

Marseille: De Zerbi Ties His Future to Benatia’s

At Olympique de Marseille, coach Roberto De Zerbi made a bold statement in a press conference, linking his future at the club to that of football director Medhi Benatia: « Medhi loves Marseille even more than I do. He’s the one who brought me here. I’m loyal and honest—if he leaves, so do I. » This follows Benatia’s comments hinting at potential changes within the club. De Zerbi emphasized his commitment to staying as long as Benatia remains, highlighting their strong partnership. Club president Pablo Longoria envisions a three-year cycle under the Italian tactician.

Reflecting on Alain Orsoni’s Years at AC Ajaccio

Corsican football mourns the tragic death of Alain Orsoni, former president of AC Ajaccio. Leading the club from 2008 to 2015 and briefly in 2022-2023, he famously guided ACA to Ligue 1 promotion in 2011. Under his leadership, the club signed high-profile players like Adrian Mutu and attracted renowned coaches. However, his tenure was also marked by controversy and his political engagements. Orsoni often spoke of the « media lynching » he claimed to endure. Today, ACA plays in Régional 2 after being relegated by the DNCG, a stark contrast to the club’s peak under his presidency.