Football Season Guide

Since Omar Daf took charge of the team in 2023, life has not been easy for Amiens. In fact, despite all ambitious promises of a return to the Ligue 1, the management started selling all their stars, mostly replacing them with prospects from the junior teams. Nevertheless, the coach succeeded maintaining them well away from the relegation spots. Last season, Amiens fought for a top 10 finish almost until the very end, especially thanks to outstanding home performances, only the 3 promoted sides together with Dunkerque did better, while they were utterly embarrassing when travelling, proving worse than bottom-placed Caen. They finished 11th but it can be considered a success. The season had actually started very well, with them fighting for the top 5, but then Daf saw his squad losing several starters after mid-December. He considered accepting an offer from Senegal national team but eventually refused it, thus avoiding Amiens a downfall. Things do not seem to have improved during the current transfer campaign. In fact, the hemorrhage has not stopped since they lost 5 starters and might not have adequately replaced them. First of all, they let go key goalie Gurtner, still decisive in several occasions despite being 38, and have not properly replaced him yet. Experienced Sauvage is waiting for someone to take the n.1 off his back. The defence is in desperate need of strengthening, considering that all starters left over the summer. With recently-arrived left-back Louis injured, they might be adapting two wingers, Ikia Dimi and Appiah, to the role. At right-back, the situation is not any better with Chabane, naturally a centre-back, struggling against pushing sides. The midfield is the area where they are less ill at ease, as they can still count on some big names like Kaiboue, Lobry and Monconduit. The attack, their main weakness last season, with just 38 goals scored, could still lose starting striker Mafouta and and key winger Leautey, 20 goals together overall but wanting out, while impressive Mbaye returned to his parent club. With Kandil still injured, new signings are needed.