After a long period of uncertainty, L'Équipe du soir will indeed return to the L'Équipe channel this fall. But Olivier Ménard's daily show, launched in 2008, will approach this new season with a significantly revamped lineup. During the season finale, broadcast on July 20th, the host announced the departure of three key commentators: Johan Micoud, Éric Blanc, and Régis Testelin.
Visibly moved, Olivier Ménard wanted to pay tribute to them on air. "It's vacation time for us, friends! Just a few words to thank Johan Micoud and Éric Blanc, whom I salute most sincerely, as well as Régis Testelin, for their services, for their intelligence, for the joy of sharing a sporting moment with them," he declared, acknowledging his colleagues who have greatly contributed to the identity of the program.
A show that "will change a lot"
Beyond these departures, Olivier Ménard also announced a major overhaul of L'Équipe du soir. "The show is going to change a lot," he promised, without revealing the details of the future format. The only specific information provided was that Régis Testelin, a journalist at the daily newspaper, would be joining the team. The Team since 2001, could continue to collaborate on the program "in another form" from the start of the academic year.
These changes come at a particularly sensitive time for the channel. According to information published in recent weeks, L'Équipe du soir had been weakened by declining ratings and the cost-cutting measures implemented within the group. Ultimately renewed, the program is entering a new phase in its history with the aim of regaining momentum.
A new chapter begins after nearly twenty years on air.
Since its launch in September 2008, L'Équipe du soir has established itself as one of the essential programs on the L'Équipe channel. The sports talk show celebrated its 4,000th episode last October and has welcomed numerous personalities over the years, including Michel Platini and Didier Drogba. Nicolas Sarkozy or even François Hollande.
The departures of Johan Micoud and Éric Blanc mark the end of an era. A former French international, Micoud regularly served as the moderator of the debate, while former rugby player Éric Blanc offered a different perspective on current sporting events. Their departure from the show reflects the channel's desire to revamp the program, the new format of which will be unveiled in the fall.
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