The mid-to-late discussion in the ESTACWEB forum about François Vitali provides more detailed examples of both support and critique during his time at Troyes.

Supporters of Vitali:

Some fans believed that Vitali’s recruitment skills were strong, citing examples like Lucas Chevalier (then a Lille reserve), Dina Ebimbe, and Rasmus Højlund. These players were potential signings, but external constraints, particularly the influence of City Football Group (CFG), prevented their acquisition. Some argue that under CFG’s watch, Vitali spent time pursuing ineffective signings like Ilić and Palaversa, which hindered progress​(ESTACWEB).

Criticisms:

However, many criticized Vitali for failing to build a balanced and cohesive team. A frequent complaint was that despite six or seven transfer windows, key positions—such as left-back, striker, and right-back—were left unaddressed for long stretches. Some signings, like Renaud Ripart, Ronny Lopes, and Ike Ugbo, received mixed reviews, with some supporters feeling they didn’t meet expectations. The club’s reliance on loaned players for crucial positions, like goalkeepers and strikers, was seen as a short-term fix rather than sustainable team building​(ESTACWEB).

The City Football Group’s Role:

A significant theme throughout the discussion was Vitali’s perceived lack of autonomy. CFG’s slow decision-making processes and focus on developing young players for potential resale often interfered with more pragmatic, immediate needs for the team. While some fans believed that with more freedom, Vitali could have built a stronger team, others saw his failure to resist CFG’s control as part of the problem. One specific example cited was the sale of Biancone, which was meant to give the club financial autonomy, but it ultimately led to further issues​(ESTACWEB).

The End:

As ESTAC faced relegation, disappointment grew among the supporters. Despite some initial successes and interesting prospects, Vitali was ultimately seen as having failed to create a balanced and competitive squad. His reliance on loans and CFG’s influence left fans frustrated, and by the end of his tenure, many believed the club’s instability was partly his responsibility​(ESTACWEB).

In summary, while Vitali’s time at Troyes had moments of promise, fans felt his impact was diminished by both internal mismanagement and the City Football Group’s overarching control, leading to unbalanced squads and underperformance on the pitch.