Strasbourg's O'Neil Criticizes BlueCo Over Transfers

Strasbourg manager Gary O'Neil publicly criticized the club's BlueCo ownership on Sunday for mishandling the January transfer window, accusing them of weakening the squad at a critical juncture.

ONeil, who took charge in January after Liam Rosenior departed for Chelsea, made the remarks following a 1-1 Ligue 1 draw with Angers. The result capped a disappointing run that included semifinal exits from the Coupe de France and UEFA Conference League, the latter against Rayo Vallecano with 1-0 losses in both legs. Strasbourg, now unable to finish higher than eighth, will miss European competition next season.

The former Wolves and Bournemouth coach pinpointed specific transfer moves as problematic. Chelsea loaned striker David Datro Fofana and defender Aaron Anselmino to Strasbourg, while influential loanee center-back Mamadou Sarr was recalled to Stamford Bridge, where he has made only five first-team appearances. Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez also had his season-long loan cut short and was sent to River Plate in Argentina. ONeil told L'Equipe, "I need two centreforwards. The owners want to give me the means to perform next season, but we have to improve the culture around the...