Football Season Guide

Metz enjoyed a very convincing season last time out under the guidance of Frederic Antonetti, and the experienced Corsican coach remains in charge for this campaign, despite rumours earlier in the summer that he might have left. Consistency in the dugout has been matched with consistency in the playing staff, too. There has been little significant turnover of players at Metz, with the only first-team player of particular note to depart in midfielder Victorien Angban, who has returned a not insignificant fee. Veteran centre-back John Boye has also retired, though. Metz do look a little short on paper in the centre of defence, where they often played with three men last season due to the difficulty in dropping any one of them. Kiki Kouyate and Dylan Bronn will continue and, if they go to three at the back, Mamadou Fofana will drop from the midfield. Full-back is not an area of concern. Right-back Fabien Centonze was a strong performer last season in a wing-back role, while Mathieu Udol and Thomas Delaine were virtually inseparable on the left. Kevin N’Doram’s return from a long-term injury will help in the centre of the field, where Habib Maiga is a reliable presence and Vincent Pajot has plenty of experience. Pape Sarr, meanwhile, is a strong youngster. Where Metz struggled at times last season was in the final third, though this was in part due to long-term injuries to Opa Nguette and Ibrahima Niane, who are both fit again. Furthermore, they have a collection of promising up-and-coming players, including Lamine Gueye and, more notably, Papa Yade. Amine Bassi has been signed from local rivals Nancy in Ligue 2 and, if the playmaker can successfully make the step up, he will relieve a creative burden from Farid Boulaya, who exceeded expectations last season.