Football Season Guide

Having been acquired by a Chinese Group in 2016, AJ Auxerre lived in complicated times in the following 3 campaigns, which saw them regularly struggling against relegation. In the past season, though, Auxerre achieved a remarkable mid-table finish, never finding themselves lower than the 17th standing, a position they only sunk to in week 1. Coach Jean-Marc Furlan, the architect of their quiet salvation, was confirmed at the helm of the team and, together with him, most of the squad that performed so well. In fact, the transfer campaign only saw them losing the likes of Barreto, their top assist-man with 8, Yattara, who had started well the campaign, with 3 goals in less than 7 games played, and had then disappeared from the radar, and Sylvestre, who had contributed to the cause with 2 goals. In terms of new signings, the management tried to hire players well-known by the coach, who achieved promotions to the Ligue 1 in 4 occasions between 2005 and 2019, 3 with Troyes and 1 with Brest. Thus, Léon came from Stade Brest and will immediately be given a start in goal, relegating former regular Michel to the bench, while Autret, also arriving from Brest, where he scored 2 goals and served 3 assists in the past Ligue 1 campaign, will be the new attacking midfielder, asked to replace Barreto in the heart of the supporters. Fortuné, who arrived as a free agent, could be given a start on the left wing while Ngando is set to move to the right, thus forming a formidable pair with confirmed right-back Arcus on that flank. The defence is the only department which still needs some new blood in a back-up centre-back as newly-arrived Lloris is struggling with injury at the moment. The attack lacks a prolific striker, especially since Le Bihan is currently dealing with injury issues.