Football Season Guide

Clermont were one of the most impressive sides in Ligue 2 last term, during which they played an attractive short passing style. Indeed, they averaged the most passes per game in the division (566), which covered the most ground, despite being of the shortest average distance (18.3 metres). They felt they were robbed of a play-off that could have seen them promoted. Pleased with the performance of the team, they elected to extend the contract of head coach Pascal Gastien. More of the same is expected. Clermont, though, are a side that typically sells in the summer and they have lost their key man in the form of Adrian Grbic, who was their offensive talisman. Although they recouped a big transfer fee for the Austrian, it has not been reinvested in the playing squad. Jordan Tell has been added from Rennes on a free to replace Grbic, a player who is less able with his back to goal but one who has yet to fulfil his promise. Otherwise, the only key movement in the squad has come in goal, where Maxime Dupe has returned to Nantes after a one-year loan. Arthur Desmas will be the man to replace him, though he has large gloves to fill. Clermont should line up broadly as they did a year ago, although pre-season performances have suggested that they are rusty and that they will feel the loss of two key performers, which promises to weaken them in a couple of critical areas. Gastien has admitted that there are still signings to come – at least two offensive – and these could be vital to their fortunes.