Football Season Guide

Auxerre enjoyed a strong return to Ligue 1 last season as Christophe Pelissier led them to a strong mid-table finish. AJA’s strength was their home record, as they lost just 4 time in front of their home fans. They defended far better at home than on the road, conceding 17 at home compared to 34 away. Two strong bursts of form were responsible for their final position, with 8 of their 11 wins coming in bursts. Over the course of the summer, they have suffered a massive loss in that attacking midfielder Gaetan Perrin has departed for Krasnodar. Also going to Russia is centre-back Jubal, who was a key leader. Both players contributed heavily going forward. They may be the only 2 first-team regulars leaving Stade Abbe-Deschamps, but they were their most important players. Offensively, they will largely be seeking existing options to step up. Josue Casimir has arrived from Le Havre but is nothing more than a solid Ligue 1 player, while Ibrahim Osman arrives on loan from Brighton with the aim of proving himself on this stage. Lassine Sinayoko, who finished last season spectacularly, is one to watch for Auxerre. Injury problems hit the midfield in the second half of last term, and having the likes of Kevin Danois back fit will be a huge boost. Oussama El Azzouzi, a Morocco international, has also hooked up with the team in a positive move. Jubal’s defensive replacement is Francisco Sierralta from Watford. He will do well to live up to the legacy of the Brazilian but it is important that he has a solid season and shows himself to have leadership qualities. At 28, he is the most experienced member of a defence comprised of players in their early 20s. With Donovan Leon in goal, Auxerre are relatively well set up. Pre-season has produced some doubts over AJA’s level. In particular, they have struggled going forward while their pressing in defence has looked poorly timed. Of course, these are issues that can be resolved, but there have been some worrying signs as the season approaches.