Football Season Guide

The yo-yo club of the French game over the last six years, Metz will aim to set about establishing themselves as a force in Ligue 1 over the coming campaign. Just one year in the second flight was all that was required for Frederic Antonetti to mastermind their promotion though, after he was given personal leave in the second half of the season, there was a notable downturn in their form. Antonetti remains at the club, but he is no longer in the head coach role, which has instead been given to Vincent Hognon. His previous experience includes a wretched spell in charge of Nancy and he struggled to maintain the momentum that had been built up when he took command at the start of the year. Another warning sign for the Lorraine club ahead of their assault on the top flight is that they have not made much progress in terms of strengthening their squad. Indeed, those key players who have signed on a permanent basis, including Victorien Angban and Habib Maiga, were already at the club last season on loan. Perhaps only Fabien Centonze, a right-back, arrives as a genuine upgrade. A couple of loan additions have been made. Kevin N’Doram has joined up from Monaco, but he may only add depth to the side, while forward Thierry Ambrose will be given his first crack at top-flight football on loan from Manchester City. Metz do look well stocked in the centre-forward position, with youngsters Habib Diallo and Ibrahima Niane both interesting prospects. They will have to continue their form from last season, although they are bound to be given fewer chances as wingers Opa Nguette and Farid Boulaya will surely find the going harder. In midfield, this young side will lean on the experience of Renaud Cohade, their only central midfielder older than 26, with all but two 23 or below when the season starts. There is much more experience in the defence, although here too there may be a deficit in terms of quality. Stoppila Sunzu and John Boye have both played in the top flight before, though neither centre-back has been especially successful. The same goes for goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidjia.