Michel Der Zakarian, who was fervent in support of the standard of Ligue 1 football last week in a heated response to Thierry Henry’s criticism of the French top-flight, has reiterated his stance, comparing the championship to the Premier League.
At the start of the November international break, France U21 manager Henry criticised the lack of “action” in Ligue 1 after just 25 goals were scored across two game weeks. Montpellier HSC manager Der Zakarian dismissed those claims as “nonsense” before criticising the former Arsenal forward.
“I don’t agree with Thierry Henry. Where has he managed? What did he do at AS Monaco? He had three months and then he cleared off The guy works for the FFF and criticises French football,” Der Zakarian told Midi Libre.
Der Zakarian confirms having spoken to Henry
Henry replied, saying that he wasn’t attacking” anyone. Montpellier president Laurent Nicollin later told RMC Sport that the pair had exchanged over the phone and eased the tension. “There is no story,” he told the French publication. Der Zakarian confirmed that he had received a call from Henry and that he was “happy” to have talked with the Bleuets manager.
Tensions may have eased, but the discussion over the level of France’s top flight continues. Speaking ahead of Montpellier’s match against Stade Brestois, Der Zakarian once again defended Ligue 1. “What I don’t like is how we incessantly denigrate our league. It is a league with a lot of intensity, just behind the Premier League. I watch matches in England too. I’ve seen rubbish matches in England too. Of course, there are rubbish matches in France too, but I’m not happy to denigrate our league,” he told reporters on Friday.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
