Football Season Guide

Clermont flirted with relegation last season and come into the new campaign having flushed out their squad, hoping to achieve a more serene year under Gregory Proment and Frederic Mazeyrat, their management duo. Last season was disjointed and hampered by injury problems as they fell out of Ligue 1. Survival was only achieved via the playoffs and much better is needed. There needs to be more stability about the club if they are to thrive. So far, the early signs have been good, with a series of positive results in friendly matches, including a win over Ligue 2 rivals Rodez. Scoring goals was an issue last season but pre-season performances suggest that Clermont will be slicker this time around. They were hampered by injury issues to big players Henri Saivet, Kader Bamba and Famara Diedhiou, all of whom have been heavily involved in pre-season and look good to start. In addition, Adrien Hunou arrives back at the club after several difficult seasons elsewhere. If he can be unlocked, Clermont will be in a good place offensively. At the back, too, Clermont look significantly improved. Andy Pelmard and Max Caufriez have both returned from loan spells and will add a great deal of quality to the defence. All the indications are that they will be integrated into the team, and even beyond this pair, there is decent depth to the rearguard, which will be a strength. The midfield promises to be an interesting area following the release of Yohann Magnin. Johan Gastien has for so long been a fulcrum but at 37 is nearing the end of his career, and along with the 34-year-old Saivet in that area, they will need balance with some youthful energy. Abdellah Baallal looks to the be the young man appointed for the role after a season picking up experience in Austria. Although there have been few signings at Clermont, the return of loan players suggests they will have a stronger team this time around, albeit they will lean on young players for depth. If stability can be found off the field, too, they will be in a stronger place.