Gaël Clichy faces backlash over Caen’s closed training and comments about young girls | OneFootball

Gaël Clichy is at the centre of a row after defending SM Caen’s decision to hold Monday’s training behind closed doors, linking it to the need for concentration and the presence of young girls. The remarks came in a video published by Foot Normand.

After another difficult season, Caen returned to work on Monday with the head coach opting for a session without spectators. It marked a break from the club’s usual practice.

Clichy said players require calm to work, stressing that the priority was serenity and maximum focus. He added that with many new arrivals he wanted space to address them without distractions.

Drawing on 20 years in the game, he said pre-season is crucial and that crowds around the pitch can affect attention, referencing young girls in doing so. That specific line has proved incendiary online.

Users on X questioned whether professionals should be unable to work seriously around women and suggested his stance cast doubt on his own squad’s focus. Others defended his desire to remove all distractions, including media and supporters, while critics asked why he chose that argument.

Neither the club, owned by Kylian Mbappé, nor the coach had responded to the criticism at the time of publication.

Source: Le Progres