Football Season Guide

Le Mans were the big surprise of French football last season as they went straight through Ligue 2 after winning promotion the previous season. They took advantage of Saint-Etienne’s slip at the end of the season to finish 2nd – far above what they might have predicted. They were particularly hard to beat, only losing 4 games all season. Le Mans’ squad has not been subject to an overhaul, with the board clearly intent on imposing the same principles that succeeded for them last year. Only the departure of Isaac Cossier will remotely trouble the composition of the starting XI, particularly as no centre-back has been signed to compensate. Le Mans have sought to strengthen their wide defensive options and bring more efficiency to their attack with Billal Brahimi and Louis Mafouta, Ligue 2’s top scorer last season, arriving. It’s been a relatively low-key summer, with a 5-match undefeated run in friendlies at the time of writing. There has been little remarkable to report on this front, though the coach has complained about a lack of technical accuracy at times. The brand of football that won Le Mans success last season was a high-energy style that successfully troubled their opponents. They were highly reliant on their wing-backs offensively but also effectively shutdown their rivals in the midfield and pressurised them physically. It was a way to make up for a lack of outstanding individuals. Le Mans are a side almost totally devoid of Ligue 1 experience. They were reliant on a strong mentality last season and were carried through on an impressive wave of momentum that did not stop. Replicating that at a higher level will be difficult, and it remains to be seen if they have a plan b that is successful if their energy is not enough.