Image: Keystone
Sion boss Christian Constantin reacted to the corona crisis by quitting nine players without notice. This also affected new move Johan Djourou, who is opposed to this measure.
The contracts of Pajtim Kasami, Alex Song, Ermir Lenjani, Xavier Kouassi, Seydou Doumbia, Mickaël Facchinetti, Christian Zock, Birama Ndoye and Johan Djouru were terminated last week “for good reasons” and “due to force majeure”, like the boss of FC Sion said. “From ten players it counts as a collective layoff, so I only selected the nine oldest players,” said Christian Constantin. His reason for the wave of dismissals: “We are in a war.”
The layoffs caused a stir. “The behavior of FC Sion is the opposite of solidarity,” said teleclub expert Rolf Fringer. “Some seasoned players would have put pressure on the younger players to decline the offer of short-time work,” claims CC. “Her only concern was to keep her full salary. A few players have not been influenced, others have, »said the 64-year-old. The influenced players even called Constantin fools.
Johan Djourou, one of the victims, is now defending himself: “I am disappointed and shocked by what has been written about the players and their alleged behavior.” The former Arsenal professional told “France TV Sport” that they had received a message on WhattsApp that they were asked to accept short-time work without further explanation, or not.
Djourou’s thesis
“We were all in the dark and didn’t know what that meant. We wanted more details, explanations, a call from the president or the sports director, »explains the 76-times international. “It is not a question of money, it is a question of principle.” Djourou even disclosed his contract to show that his monthly salary of CHF 7,500 a month is well below the limit for short-time work. «I hardly lose any money with short-time work. It’s really all about the matter, »he says.
Image: Keystone
In addition, all players had rejected the measure in the first internal vote, said the defender. The fact that the successful contractor chose exactly these nine professionals as victims obviously had more than legal reasons, as the Genevan explains: «I think there were simply a few high wages among them. And because they were afraid of the consequences of the crisis, the club wanted to save money. »
He is not one of the big earners and went to Valais to get back in shape, says Djourou. The 33-year-old previously dropped out of a knee injury for almost a year.
“Deeply hit” by hostility
Throughout the chaos, his image as a footballer and above all as a private individual had suffered. He has also received unjustified criticism on social networks and in the press. “I was stamped as a mercenary. I and my family are deeply affected by these allegations, »says Djourou.
He says: «I’ve had an impeccable reputation throughout my career. Such a flaw is unacceptable, and that’s exactly what I currently blame FC Sion for. This moral injustice applies not only to me, but also to my teammates. »
Despite the circumstances, Djourou is sporty and optimistic: «I try to keep in shape. My knee feels good and I hope to find a club again soon. It would be unfortunate if this whole thing could stand in the way of my reputation for my post-football career or tarnish it. So I have to keep my honor and reputation. I have to defend myself, it’s a question of principle. »
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