Ludovic Butelle turns down Bordeaux player-coach role due to ‘baggage’ of president Gérard Lopez | OneFootball

Former Ligue 1 goalkeeper Ludovic Butelle has declined an offer to become player-coach at Girondins de Bordeaux, citing serious reservations about the club’s ownership under Gérard Lopez whilst speaking on the Foot Farid and Co podcast.The fourth tier side had recently approached 42-year-old Ludovic Butelle with a dual-role offer – part-time goalkeeper and part-time goalkeeping coach. But despite positive talks with the sporting director and a favourable view of manager Bruno Irles and the club’s infrastructure, Butelle ultimately refused. “Bordeaux has a good coach, good structures… I had good exchanges with the sporting director. But with the president’s baggage, you hesitate and think twice.”The “baggage” refers to Gérard Lopez, whose troubled track record at Boavista, Bordeaux and previous issues at Lille continue to cast a shadow over his ownership in France. Butelle made clear that the instability around the club made him pull back. “I didn’t get the right feeling, with everything going on around the club.”Out of contract after a two-year spell at Stade de Reims, Butelle remains open to a final playing opportunity or a role on a technical staff. He even mentioned the possibility of founding his own goalkeeping academy. However, any such plans will take shape well away from the Girondins’ orbit.

Meanwhile, Bordeaux’s search for a goalkeeper continues. According to a report from L’Équipe, the club has made enquiries for Martin Sourzac (Nancy), Alexandre Letellier (ex-PSG), and Pierre Patron (Quevilly-Rouen), aiming to bring competition for young starter Lassana Diabaté as they attempt to bounce back up the French football ladder after missing out on promotion from the fourth tier last season.GFFN | George Boxall