‘It’s almost a miracle we stayed up’ – Strasbourg’s Lucas Perrin slams BlueCo project | OneFootball

Lucas Perrin (25) has heavily criticised the BlueCo project at RC Strasbourg Alsace, describing the club’s survival in Ligue 1 as a “miracle” during an interview with France Bleu Alsace.

Since the owners of Chelsea FC, BlueCo, took over at Strasbourg last summer, there has been a discernable shift in strategy at the club, towards youth and consequently away from experience. Players such as Dilane Bakwa and Emanuel Emegha arrived on permanent transfers, whilst Ângelo Gabriel and Andrey Santos arrived on loan from Chelsea.

The age profile of the club has therefore drastically changed. RCSA now have the second youngest squad in Ligue 1, behind only Toulouse FC, whilst the club have also fielded the three youngest starting XIs this season. Despite their youth, Strasbourg have secured safety and currently sit 13th in Ligue 1, 10 points ahead of FC Metz, who currently occupy the relegation play-off spot going into the final game of the season.

Perrin pessimistic of contract renewal

However, Perrin, who has featured 33 times for Les Alsaciens in all competitions this season, didn’t exactly give a positive appraisal of the club’s season, nor the club’s strategy. “You can’t hide it, it’s almost a miracle we stayed up. We’re asking 18 and 19-year-olds – and I have nothing against them – but we’re asking these young players to assume the responsibilities of 30-year-old guys,” said the defender, who joined RCSA from Olympique de Marseille in 2021.

Given the de-ageing process at Strasbourg, instigated by BlueCo, Perrin fears his future at the club with just one year remaining on his current deal. “I don’t know what I’ll do next year. We don’t know what the sporting project will be next year. I’ve just had my best season. What makes me, not sad, but a bit annoyed, is the club’s lack of consideration. When I arrived, I was a bit unknown because I hadn’t played lots of matches but now, I’ve played many matches and to have such a lack of consideration is a bit frustrating. Do I not expect a renewal? No, not at all but hey, it’s the BlueCo protect. We’re waiting,” said the Frenchman.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle