Strasbourg manager Gary O'Neil has criticised the club's BlueCo ownership for a failed January transfer window, stating that the squad was weakened rather than strengthened. The former Bournemouth and Wolves boss took over as Liam Rosenior's replacement in January and initially enjoyed success, winning 6-0 on debut and losing only twice in his first 16 matches.
However, Strasbourg were eliminated from the Conference League semi-finals after losing both legs 1-0 to Rayo Vallecano, prompting ultras to confront players after an uninspiring home performance. O'Neil expressed his frustration, saying: 'I need two centre-forwards. The owners want to give me the means to perform next season, but we have to improve the culture around the club, the quality of the players, and the depth of the squad. We messed up in the January transfer window. We weakened instead of improving the squad.'
The club signed Chelsea off-cuts David Datro Fofana and Aaron Anselmino on loan, along with 20-year-old midfielder Gessime Yassine. Meanwhile, highly-rated centre-back Mamadou Sarr was sold to Chelsea, where he has made only five first-team appearances, and loanee Kendry Paez was recalled and reassigned to River Plate.
O'Neil's comments reflect broader discontent with BlueCo's transfer policy, which focuses on signing young talent for profit but has led to poor results. Enzo Maresca's departure and the subsequent hiring and firing of Rosenior have further fuelled fan frustration. Strasbourg ultras recently travelled to London to protest at Stamford Bridge.
O'Neil added: 'I am angry. I hope that the players are, too. There are two matches left and they have to show me that they have the level to play with us next season. But we won't get anywhere playing like that. They really disappointed me, even more so than on Thursday (against Vallecano). They have to do better. The world of football is full of sharks. They need to know that. I told them that we were playing a final and they didn't play like they had to.'
