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SportsMathieu Bodmer Appointed Director of Football at Caen, Calls It a 'Perfect Marriage'
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Mathieu Bodmer, former sporting director at Ligue 1 club Le Havre, has been appointed director of football at Stade Malherbe Caen, a club currently in Ligue 3 (third division). In his first press conference, Bodmer described the move as a 'perfect marriage,' noting his emotional connection to Caen, where he began his professional career in 2000. He arrives alongside vice-president Nasser Larguet and trusted collaborators Julien Momont and Mohamed El Kharraze. Bodmer will work with Kylian Mbappé's family, the club's owners, on a four-year contract. He acknowledged the challenge of Ligue 3 but stated it is 'logical to aim for the top of the table,' while stopping short of promising immediate promotion. He highlighted the club's facilities, academy, and existing talent as strengths.
Source report
Mathieu Bodmer has described his appointment as director of football at Stade Malherbe Caen as an "obvious choice." The former midfielder spoke to the press for the first time ahead of the Normans' pre-season friendly against Qatar's Al-Wakrah.
Having served as sporting director for Le Havre in Ligue 1 for four seasons, Bodmer has dropped down two divisions to Ligue 3 to return to the club that launched his professional career in 2000.
New Leadership Team in Place
Bodmer arrived alongside vice-president Nasser Larguet and two trusted collaborators:
- Julien Momont – a data specialist described as Bodmer's "very fast-thinking brain"
- Mohamed El Kharraze
The inclusion of the latter two was a crucial condition. "I had warned Fayza Lamari and Ziad Hammoud. The chemistry was very good with them because we share common values beyond football," Bodmer explained, according to reports from Ouest-France.
Four-Year Commitment
The 43-year-old executive will collaborate with Kylian Mbappé's family, the owners of Stade Malherbe Caen, and has signed a four-year contract.
"I was sad to see this club go down because it's special. Now, we've been called to help it regain some of its glory. There are already many good things: the facilities, the young players from the academy, very good trainers, and some very interesting profiles among the pros," he said.
Cautious on Promotion
Bodmer stopped short of promising an immediate return to Ligue 2 after the club failed to bounce back following relegation in 2025.
"Everyone hopes for it, but we can't say that in one year we'll be in Ligue 2 or that in two years we'll be in Ligue 1," he stressed. "When you're Malherbe, it's logical that you play at the top of the table, but Ligue 3 remains a tough league. The teams that go up are those that are consistent and well-structured. We need to be that."
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Mathieu Bodmer Appointed Director of Football at Caen, Cites 'Perfect Marriage'