Michel Denisot regrets changes to L’Equipe du Soir

Michel Denisot has voiced his disappointment with the new version of L’Equipe du Soir, regretting the disappearance of several of the programme’s best-known contributors. His reaction underlines the break with the format and line-up that had defined the show for years.

The sports talk show returned on Tuesday, following the new-season launches of L’Equipe de Choc and L’Equipe de Greg on Monday. Olivier Ménard remains the presenter, but the contributors, set and running order have all changed. The new approach has broadly failed to satisfy viewers.

On social media, some regular viewers criticised the removal of familiar features, including the duel, the president and the river. One long-time follower said the programme had lost its character after 13 years of loyalty and announced that they would stop watching.

Denisot, a former deputy chief executive of Canal+ and former Paris Saint-Germain president, singled out the departures of Vincent Duluc, Bernard Lions, Grégory Schneider, Hervé Penot and Erik Bielderman. He thanked the journalists for the information, entertainment and memorable moments they had brought to the programme. Bielderman replied by recalling the laughter and occasional excesses that had shaped its identity. The exchange reflects the end of an era for L’Equipe du Soir.