From Signing Henry and Bale to Revitalizing Toulouse FC
Damien Comolli, the man behind the signings of Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie, Gareth Bale, and Luka Modric, is leading a transformation at Toulouse FC. Since becoming president in 2020, Comolli has propelled the club to new heights, including a return to Ligue 1 and a historic Coupe de France victory in 2023.
A Focus on Youth Development
Toulouse boasts one of France’s best youth academies, with 19 players representing the national team from U15 to U21 levels. Comolli emphasizes nurturing homegrown talent:
“We’re already planning for players born in 2008, aiming to bring them into the first team,” he says.
Key success stories include Guillaume Restes, a 19-year-old goalkeeper who joined the academy at six and is now the club’s first-choice keeper. Comolli proudly states:
“He has the highest transfer value for an under-19 goalkeeper worldwide.”
Learning from English Football
Comolli’s experience at Arsenal, Tottenham, and Liverpool has shaped his philosophy. He reflects on his time scouting top talent:
“It’s about technical ability, drive, and decision-making. That’s what led to signing players like Gareth Bale and Luka Modric at Tottenham or Robin van Persie for peanuts at Arsenal.”
He has brought these principles to Toulouse, combining them with data-driven decision-making:
“With less money than other clubs, we must find competitive advantages through data in recruitment, playing style, and optimizing our wage bill.”
Impact Beyond the Pitch
Since Comolli’s arrival, Toulouse’s matchday attendance has surged from 5,000 to 30,000 for home games. Inspired by English football, he’s strengthened the club’s connection with the local community, creating a stronger sense of belonging.
Comolli also champions women’s football and has launched “The House of Women Sports,” a pioneering initiative in France to support young female athletes with better facilities and coaching.
Future Goals for Toulouse and French Football
As a member of the French Professional Football League (LFP) board, Comolli has ambitious plans:
- Combat Illegal Streaming: An estimated 4-6 million people illegally stream French football each weekend.
- Improve Refereeing Standards: Described by Comolli as “a disaster,” referee quality is a major focus.
- Promote Women’s Football: Providing better facilities and reducing barriers for young girls to play sports.
Looking to the English Market
Toulouse continues to explore opportunities in English football. In the summer, Charlie Cresswell joined from Leeds United, and Comolli has two more targets from the English lower leagues for January—provided the price is right.
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