Mathieu Bodmer has praised the youth development project led by Kylian Mbappé’s family at French club Caen, highlighting a strict mobile phone ban implemented by Fayza Lamari at the training centre. According to the French network RMC, Bodmer returned to his former club after leaving Le Havre with the goal of steering Caen back to the second division through a structured long-term strategy.
Mathieu Bodmer Returns to Caen With Long-Term Youth Focus
Bodmer’s appointment follows his departure from Le Havre, bringing experience back to a club where he previously played. According to RMC, club president Ziad Hammoud and Fayza Lamari successfully pitched a comprehensive vision that convinced Bodmer to take the sporting director role. The project spans multiple operational layers, connecting the youth sector directly to the first team’s ambitions in the French third division.
Under manager Gaël Clichy, Caen prepares to launch its league campaign by hosting Valenciennes in the season opener. The sporting leadership aims to stabilize the institution after the Mbappé family’s investment fund acquired roughly 80% of the club’s shares in the summer of 2024.
Did you know?
Kylian Mbappé and his family secured an 80% ownership stake in Caen through their private investment fund during the summer of 2024, stepping in to support the French club.
Fayza Lamari Implements Strict Training Centre Rules
Discipline sits at the core of the new ownership’s operational blueprint. According to Bodmer, Fayza Lamari ordered the removal of mobile phones inside the training facility to foster better communication and unity among the young players.
“Their project with the young players matters to me. If you saw what goes into the study, the accommodation and the nutrition,” Bodmer stated, as reported by RMC. “Fayza banned the mobile phone in the training centre, and this is a wonderful decision. The young players talk and live together.”
Building Sustainable Club Operations Without Star Pressure
Despite the high-profile ownership, day-to-day operations remain grounded in localized player development.
“My greatest pleasure would be to say to Kylian: listen, do not worry about us, we will handle the matter, thank you for the money you put in at the start. We will try to give the club back to you in the cleanest possible state,” Bodmer told RMC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Caen football club?
An investment fund controlled by Kylian Mbappé and his family purchased an 80% stake in Caen during the summer of 2024.
What is Mathieu Bodmer’s role at Caen?
Mathieu Bodmer serves as the sporting director, overseeing the sporting department from the youth sector to the first team.
Who is the manager of Caen?
Gaël Clichy manages the first team as they compete in the French third division.
What major rule change was introduced at the training ground?
According to Mathieu Bodmer, Fayza Lamari banned mobile phones inside the training centre to encourage young players to interact and live together.
What are your thoughts on the strict phone ban implemented at Caen’s academy? Do you think this discipline will help develop better professional footballers? Let us know in the comments below, and explore our latest football transfers and club updates for more coverage.
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