Sunday switch for Ligue 1 multiplexes, coaches largely unfazed | OneFootball

Ligue 1’s matchday 33 and 34 multiplexes have been moved to Sunday, with the first trimmed to eight fixtures on 10 May. According to L'Équipe, the reshuffle reflects French clubs progressing in Europe and has not rattled most coaches.

Strasbourg’s run to the Europa Conference League semi-finals places their second leg with Rayo Vallecano on Thursday 7 May, so the matchday 33 multiplex shifts from Saturday 9 to Sunday 10 May.

Lens v Nantes is brought forward to Friday 8 May, tied to PSG reaching the Champions League semi-finals and the earlier postponement of PSG’s trip to Lens to 13 May. Under league policy, European clubs can request adjustments, and Lens accepted.

There is precedent, as last season both Saturday multiplexes were delayed by a day. This time matchday 34 will also run on Sunday, now set for the evening of 17 May with all fixtures. The changes have frustrated some travelling supporters.

Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca sees no problem with teams not playing simultaneously when objectives differ, and he backs creating the best conditions for PSG and Strasbourg in Europe. He says he would want the same if he were in the Europa League.

Monaco’s Sébastien Pocognoli says the Saturday to Sunday switch does not change their job and that their week stays largely the same without Europe. Marseille’s Habib Beye concurs on preparation and urges a clear rule over case-by-case calls, while acknowledging both sides’ interests.

Source: L'Équipe