Lens GM Parrot: 'Ligue 1 Deserves Respect Amidst PSG Fixture Row'

Paris Saint-Germain, aiming to ease its schedule between Champions League quarter-final clashes against Liverpool on April 8 and 14, requested on Monday the postponement of its critical Ligue 1 match against second-placed Lens, originally set for April 11. This request, alongside Strasbourg's similar plea for their match against Brest (April 12) between their Conference League fixtures against Mainz, will be reviewed by the LFP's administrative council on Thursday morning. The decision does not require RC Lens's consent, much to the exasperation of the 'Sang et Or' club. General Manager Benjamin Parrot voiced his concerns, emphasizing the need to uphold the integrity of Ligue 1.

Lens President Joseph Oughourlian reportedly holds 'few illusions' regarding the LFP's upcoming decision, anticipating the postponement of the Lens-PSG match despite their strong opposition. Benjamin Parrot echoes this sentiment, stating, "First, to be clear, we have nothing against PSG; they are within their rights to make this request. However, PSG has clearly prioritized the Champions League, as has its broadcaster. Now, if the LFP doesn't defend Ligue 1, who will? If it doesn't uphold the continuity and integrity of what Ligue 1 represents, who will step up?" Parrot questions the sporting equity when the LFP, as the guarantor of the competition, makes fluctuating decisions. He highlights that Lens, with a tenth of the budget, builds its squad and strategy around the league and domestic cup. While European success is positive and not unforeseeable, he argues that altering an established calendar makes Ligue 1 merely an 'adjustment variable' for the Champions League.

Regarding Article 528 of the LFP regulations, which states that 'as a general rule... the competitions commission shall schedule rescheduled return matches... before the last two matchdays,' Parrot explains their inquiry to the LFP. He was informed that 'as a general rule' implies exceptions, meaning the rule isn't an absolute point of reference. "It's written in a sufficiently open manner not to be considered an absolute point. We are simply appealing to the LFP to respect Ligue 1," Parrot asserted.

Parrot detailed their interactions, noting that PSG made an official postponement request after their General Management contacted Lens President Joseph Oughourlian. "We received the request, studied it, and responded that our choice was to maintain the calendar, out of respect for the competition," Parrot stated. He argued that moving the match to the proposed dates of May 6 or 13 would lead to a fortnight without competition, followed by a demanding fixture pile-up. He contrasted this with situations where both clubs agree, like Nantes did for a previous PSG match. "Here, one of the parties concerned has no say in the matter. PSG making the request is one thing, but the LFP granting it at such an advanced stage of the season... Also, would this same debate occur if Paris had a 15-point lead? They might simply rotate their squad," he pondered.

Asked about their own demanding schedule – three matches in seven days, including a trip to Brest on April 24, just three days after their French Cup semi-final against Toulouse – Parrot confirmed they would not request a postponement. "Yes, we will play three matches in seven days, but no, we will not jump on the bandwagon and ask for a postponement," he said, adding wryly, "What is quite comical is that what Paris is fighting for, namely match frequencies, is exactly what this LFP-determined schedule gives us." This, he suggests, indicates that "in the eyes of the League, it's not the frequency criterion that counts, but simply that Europe has taken precedence over everything else." Lens will face their congested schedule but hopes for a genuine debate on Thursday, seeking an "independent and responsible" decision.

Responding to suggestions from some supporters to field their U19 team against PSG in protest if the match is rescheduled, Parrot dismissed the idea. "At this moment, it has not been discussed at all. We are more democrats than revolutionaries, but if we are perceived as such, it's because we just want to assert common sense," he explained. He criticized the tendency to accept decisions without question due to "the force of habit," pointing out that other major European leagues (England, Italy, Spain, Germany) don't operate this way. "We just want to remind everyone that beyond the stakes for European clubs, there are collateral victims: those who built squads based on their commitments," he emphasized. "The body meant to preserve the equity of the Championship says: 'Be careful, there is another very important competition for everyone. So, you, adapt.' We will endure the consecutive matches, but without the same squad depth. It's not fair."