‘Disturbing’ – Metz manager Stéphane Le Mignan on captain Mathieu Udol’s refusal to train | OneFootball

Newly promoted FC Metz have been plunged into turbulence before a ball has even been kicked this season. Speaking in his first press conference of the campaign, new manager Stéphane Le Mignan admitted to being “perturbed” by the self-imposed absence of club captain Matthieu Udol (29), who has refused to report for training since Monday. The following was transcribed by L’Équipe.“We’re disappointed that he’s not with us. It’s perturbing – he’s our captain,” said Le Mignan, who is preparing for his first season as a Ligue 1 manager at 51. Udol came through the Metz academy and is under contract until 2027 but has informed club officials of his desire to join RC Lens. However, the northern club’s first bid – reportedly well below €5m – was swiftly rejected by Metz president Bernard Serin, who wants to keep his captain but without provoking open conflict. That appears unlikely now.“If we were still in Ligue 2, I could understand. But we’re in Ligue 1 now! He told me over the phone that he wants to leave. It’s not a comfortable situation,” Le Mignan explained. “I’m focused on the players who want to work.”“It’s a very particular case. He’s deeply rooted in the region, and Metz have also shown loyalty through difficult times. We want the story to continue – especially now we’re in Ligue 1.”GFFN | George Boxall