Gary O’Neil says Strasbourg ‘messed up’ January as he criticises owners after Europe exit | OneFootball

Ex-Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has criticised Strasbourg’s owners after their European exit and domestic cup setback, arguing the January window left his squad weaker.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, both Chelsea and Strasbourg are owned by BlueCo, a company owned by Todd Boehly and other investors. His remarks have caused a stir in France.

Strasbourg were beaten by Real Vallecano in the last four of the UEFA Conference League, then lost 2-0 to Nice in the Coupe de France semi-finals.

O’Neil said: "I need two centre-forwards." "The owners want to give me the means to perform next season, but we have to improve the culture around the club, the quality of the players, and the depth of the squad."

"We messed up in the January transfer window. We weakened instead of improving the squad."

He has won six of his 15 Ligue 1 matches, but mid-season changes bit hard. Mamadou Sarr returned to Chelsea despite influencing the first half of the campaign, while Ecuador international Kendry Paez was recalled and swiftly sent on loan to River Plate.

O’Neil showed a forthright streak late in his Wolves tenure in 2024, criticising players for shirking responsibility. He was sacked soon after, nearly returned following Vitor Pereira’s dismissal, then stepped away and took the Strasbourg job, replacing Liam Rosenior, who had joined Chelsea, the parent club.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com