a date at Clairefontaine
By: j | July 17th, 2008
Following yesterday’s friendly the club headed to the world-renowned Clairefontaine training facility. Often given credit for the hidden gem of the development of French Football, Clairefontaine has been a cauldren for great Footballers and PSG’s use of the facility is a brilliant move. It goes without saying that when nations consider establishing a training academy the first name on their lips is “Clairfontaine”, which has forever raised the bar.
Equally this was an extremely strong statement to the Footballing world, particularly aimed at the young developing players. It goes without saying that there was a deep loss when the sixteen year-old Academy member Gaël N’Lundulu left for Portsmouth. Morally I am opposed to situations such as this because I feel strongly about academy’s developing domestic talent but more importantly ensuring their growth as people and the relationship to their family and culture. However for young Mr. N’Lundulu, I also felt a loss for his longterm development. While I choose not to ruffle the feather of loyal Portsmouth supporters, he will not get the attention and expertise that he would with Clairefontaine. So while he, a child of sixteen, accepted a professional contract, he may have cost himself dearly in the long-run. I will be detailing more of this later however my point is clear, that PSG’s employment of Clairfontaine, at this time of year, is a shot across the bow, for young players in the academy to stay at home as you will get the best of attention. Within the traditional Football fan community, I am not positive this will get much attention as it lacks the “step-over” sex appeal but mark my words, as a person who has worked as an insider in this business for..well far too long to discuss in five continents this has me convinced Paul Le Guen and Charles Villeneuve are firmly committed to turning around the clubs fortunes.
Category: Team News
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Comments
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That is pretty smart. I don’t know whether I’d rather be at Tignes or Clairefontaine.
Posted from
United States
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off topic but Tignes is beautiful isn’t it, although I like Courchevel in the winter a bit more : )
However I really think it was a tactical point and a statement to present and future players.
Looking forward to the campaign and what magic Laurent Blanc can work -
Posted from
Germany -
Tignes has a spa and manicure and the whole load! I’m fairly convinced that you can do anything at Tignes both in the summer and the winter (one day I’d love to go skiing there in the winter, and then watch OL train in the summer)
Laurent Blanc has been such a revelation, I’m sure the next season will be full of surprises (though pre-season isn’t quite looking so good.)
Posted from
United States
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