AJ Auxerre president Baptiste Malherbe is attempting to overturn the decision to dismiss manager Christophe Pélissier, according to a report in L’Équipe. The news of Pélissier’s impending departure emerged on Friday, despite successfully guiding Auxerre to Ligue 1 safety.
The club has yet to officially announce Pélissier’s exit, a situation complicated by a legal technicality. Malherbe currently holds sole signing authority, meaning he is the only individual able to finalize the paperwork for the manager’s dismissal. To prevent Pélissier from leaving, Malherbe travelled to Beijing on Monday to meet with club owner James Zhou and persuade him to reconsider.
Auxerre sporting director David Wantier, who reportedly has a strained relationship with Pélissier, is also scheduled to meet with Zhou in the coming days to discuss the matter. The situation highlights internal tensions within the club following their successful fight against relegation.
Pélissier took charge of Auxerre in 2021, initially leading them to promotion from Ligue 2. He then secured their survival in Ligue 1 during the 2022-23 season, a feat that seemingly wasn’t enough to guarantee his future. The club’s ownership appears to be seeking a change in leadership despite achieving their primary objective. The outcome of Malherbe’s and Wantier’s meetings with Zhou will determine Pélissier’s future and the direction of the club.
