Auxerre fans regret Christophe Pelissier’s sacking and call for David Wantier to go | OneFootball

Between 300 and 400 AJ Auxerre supporters gathered at the Abbé-Deschamps stadium on Saturday to thank head coach Christophe Pelissier, dismissed despite top-flight survival, and to demand the exit of sporting director David Wantier.

According to L'Équipe, owner James Zhou ended Pelissier’s tenure despite safety being secured last Sunday, with one year left on his contract, a move that will cost about €2m including charges.

Mobilised by Ultras Auxerre 90, fans saluted a coach who arrived in October 2022, went down to Ligue 2, came straight back up, then delivered two Ligue 1 survivals. Many focused their chants on Wantier, who appears to have been kept in post despite a conflict with Pelissier.

Pierre, the Ultras’ capo, said the decision ran against what he considered the view of 99% of fans, that it jeopardised several years of renewal, and that they had no trust in Wantier. The gathering lasted about an hour.

Wantier is due to meet Zhou in Beijing on Wednesday with deputy general manager Han Jiang, who will translate, and executive president Baptiste Malherbe. Malherbe is considering his stance and, having strongly backed Pelissier, his future at the club is uncertain. A further delegation is set to see the owner on Thursday.

Source: L'Équipe