US Orléans in desperate bid to replace glass-ridden pitch in time to host PSG in Coupe de France tie

US Orléans will replace their glass-ridden pitch in order to allow them to host their Coupe de France tie against Paris Saint-Germain later this month. 

National (third-tier) side Orléans haven’t played at their own stadium, La Source, for over a month after an operation to sand the pitch went wrong, instead dispersing shards of glass all over the pitch. In its current state, the pitch is of course unplayable. 

Measures have been taken to allow Orléans to host PSG on Saturday 20th January. The pitch is being entirely redone with a “scalping” taking place. This process was initiated earlier this week. The pitch will then be re-sanded, hopefully, this time without glass, before new rolls of turf arrive on Sunday. 

“We are doing everything to play here,” Orléans’ CEO Reynald Bergues told Le Parisien, adding that weather conditions, must be temperate and dry in order for the turf to be re-laid. It is a race against time, not only is the match against PSG just nine days away, but on Thursday, the host club must confirm the stadium within which the Coupe de France encounter will take place. 

With the laying of the new turf set to be carried out next Wednesday, time is of the essence for Orléans to host Kylian Mbappé and co at La Source in just a matter of days. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle