Football Season Guide

Laval only avoided relegation last season via the playoffs, having seriously struggled for much of the campaign. Their biggest weakness was in attack, where they scored only 30 times. Previously, they have relied on set-pieces, aerial strength and efficiency, but they were lacking in those areas last term. Over the summer, out have gone strikers Mamadou Camara and Malik Tchokounte, though there is no evidence to suggest they have upgraded in those areas. Right wing-back Thibaut Vargas has also been allowed to go, though he provided 3 assists last term and was an important figure. Didier Vignes has taken charge, having been successful at Fleury in recent years. There have been some positive signs in terms of Laval’s style in pre-season, with more technical quality on show than in previous seasons, when they have more typically been a direct side. However, results in pre-season have not been good, with 2 defeats in 3 at the time of writing. Laval have promising young players coming through their ranks, most notably 19-year-old midfielder Ethan Clavreul and the 20-year-old Mathys Houdayer. This potential of this pair is big. Vignes, meanwhile, likes to play a 4-4-2 diamond that is more technical than anything Laval used last season. Offensively, this is still a unit that lacks quality. Laval are going to rely on a mix of youth and new signings who have not necessarily sparkled elsewhere. Indeed, Corentin Fatou has missed pre-season due to injury. At the back, meanwhile, they look a team susceptible to opponents in transition.