Stade owner Wild celebrates Parisian derby win with massive investment promise and Meyer extension

Stade Francais owner Hans-Peter Wild has used Sunday’s Parisian derby victory over Racing 92 as the occasion to announce he will pump €100million into his club after agreeing to extend the contract of current coach Heineke Meyer.

Stade’s away win was a surprise that leaves them just four points off Racing who occupy the last of the play-off qualification places with two rounds of fixtures to go. 

Interviewed on French television channel Canal +, Wild said: “We have already extended Heyneke. He had a two-year contract and we extended it. If he wants to stay longer, he can.”

In the eyes of the club owner, the South African technician remains “the man of the situation: “Until now, I am very happy. We have a very professional staff.”

Stade’s season has been disrupted by some internal wrangles, but the owner has now massively backed his coach and the plans he has to transform the club.  

https://twitter.com/PilartBlaise/status/1125098533823107073

“Those who moan, they are players who do not play. And they do not play for good reasons. If they do not agree with the coach, let them go to another club,” he said.

For instance, Alexandre Flanquart is leaving for Bordeaux and the owner doesn’t want any more discordant voices.

“It’s unacceptable to complain in public, in the press. It’s a professional sport that is expensive, they must behave professionally. They must learn that. It has always talked a lot in this club. This must stop.”

Stade Français : Hans-Peter Wild prolonge Heyneke Meyer https://t.co/0TfSFUukKc

— Le Parisien (@le_Parisien) May 5, 2019

Stade are due to post an end-of-season deficit of €17m following economic difficulties, but entrepreneur Wild isn’t perturbed by the projected losses. 

“We have internal problems, but Stade Francais has always had. Thomas Savare had to save the club. He stayed six years, did what he could but he did not have the funds. Now it’s my turn. I still think I will inject €100m over five years.”

With assistant coaches Paul O’Connell having already announced he is leaving at the end of the season and Mike Prendergast targeted by Toulon, the CVs of Racing pair Patricio Noriega and Casey Laulala are both being considered by Meyer for potential cross-city moves. 

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