Joël Bats
Encyclopedia
Joël Bats is a retired goalkeeper and French international footballer.
in 1974, moving on to newly promoted AJ Auxerre
the following year. He became undisputed number one at Auxerre (having had to contest the jersey with Albert Rust
at Sochaux) and soon found his way into the France squad, being selected for the 1984 European Championship, which France won.
By now recognised as a safe, authoritative presence in goal, Bats was also the French number 1 at the 1986 FIFA World Cup
, famously saving a penalty from Zico
in the quarter-final against Brazil
. However, he uncharacteristically let a free-kick from Andreas Brehme
slip through his hands in the semi-final against West Germany, which France lost 2–0. He won his last international cap in 1989.
At club level, Bats moved on to Paris Saint-Germain F.C. and was their keeper during their first Ligue 1
title in 1986. Bats remained the club's keeper until announcing his retirement in 1992. He then joined the PSG coaching staff as an assistant to Artur Jorge and Luis Fernández
before being named trainer in 1997, succeeding Ricardo Gomes. A disappointing 1997–98 season and a series of boardroom changes saw him replaced by Alain Giresse. Following a brief, undistinguished spell in charge of L.B. Châteauroux, he was appointed goalkeeping coach at Olympique Lyonnais
in 2000, a post that he still occupies.
Bats was stricken with testicular cancer
in 1982, but made a full recovery after surgery. As therapy during his convalescence, he took up writing poetry, and has had two volumes of it published.
Goalkeeper
Bats began his professional career with FC Sochaux-MontbéliardFC Sochaux-Montbéliard
Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard is a French association football club based in the city of Montbéliard. The club was founded in 1928 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. Sochaux plays its home matches at the Stade Auguste Bonal located within the city...
in 1974, moving on to newly promoted AJ Auxerre
AJ Auxerre
Association de la Jeunesse Auxerroise is a French association football club based in the commune of Auxerre in Burgundy. The club was founded in 1905 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Auxerre plays its home matches at the Stade l'Abbé-Deschamps on the banks of the...
the following year. He became undisputed number one at Auxerre (having had to contest the jersey with Albert Rust
Albert Rust (footballer)
Albert Rust is a former French footballer, who currently works as Goalkeeper coach by AS Saint-Étienne.-International career:He won one international cap for the French national team during the 1980s...
at Sochaux) and soon found his way into the France squad, being selected for the 1984 European Championship, which France won.
By now recognised as a safe, authoritative presence in goal, Bats was also the French number 1 at the 1986 FIFA World Cup
1986 FIFA World Cup
The 1986 FIFA World Cup, the 13th FIFA World Cup, was held in Mexico from 31 May to 29 June. The tournament was the second to feature a 24-team format. Colombia had been originally chosen to host the competition by FIFA but, largely due to economic reasons, was not able to do so and officially...
, famously saving a penalty from Zico
Zico
Arthur Antunes Coimbra , better known as Zico , is a Brazilian coach and former footballer. He is the current head coach of the Iraq national football team. Often called the "White Pelé", he is commonly considered one of the most skilled finishers and one of the best passers ever and possibly the...
in the quarter-final against Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
. However, he uncharacteristically let a free-kick from Andreas Brehme
Andreas Brehme
Andreas "Andy" Brehme is a German football coach and former football defender. He is best known for scoring the winning goal for Germany in the 1990 FIFA World Cup Final against Argentina on a 85th minute penalty kick....
slip through his hands in the semi-final against West Germany, which France lost 2–0. He won his last international cap in 1989.
At club level, Bats moved on to Paris Saint-Germain F.C. and was their keeper during their first Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
title in 1986. Bats remained the club's keeper until announcing his retirement in 1992. He then joined the PSG coaching staff as an assistant to Artur Jorge and Luis Fernández
Luis Fernández
Luis Fernández is a Spanish-French footballer who played as a defender / midfielder. He retired as a player in 1993 to become a manager....
before being named trainer in 1997, succeeding Ricardo Gomes. A disappointing 1997–98 season and a series of boardroom changes saw him replaced by Alain Giresse. Following a brief, undistinguished spell in charge of L.B. Châteauroux, he was appointed goalkeeping coach at Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The...
in 2000, a post that he still occupies.
Bats was stricken with testicular cancer
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system.In the United States, between 7,500 and 8,000 diagnoses of testicular cancer are made each year. In the UK, approximately 2,000 men are diagnosed each year. Over his lifetime, a man's risk of...
in 1982, but made a full recovery after surgery. As therapy during his convalescence, he took up writing poetry, and has had two volumes of it published.
Coach
- 1992–1994 : (goalkeeping coach) Paris SG
- 1994–1996 : (assistant coach) Paris SG
- 1996–1998 : Paris SG with Ricardo Gomes
- 1998–1999 : LB ChâteaurouxLB ChâteaurouxLa Berrichonne de Châteauroux is a French association football club based in Châteauroux. The football team is a part of a sports club that consists of several other sports and was founded in 1883. The team currently plays in Ligue 2, the second division of French football, having finished 16th in...
- 2000– : (goalkeeping coach) Olympique LyonnaisOlympique LyonnaisOlympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The...