Football Season Guide

Lorient flirted with relegation last season, finishing the campaign on only 36 points and struggling to achieve eight victories. They finished with a huge negative goal difference of 28 and knew issues at both ends of the field that new head coach Regis Le Bris, who has stepped up from the B team to replace Christophe Pellissier, will focus. Unsurprisingly, it has been the defence that has been the focus of the efforts. Lorient were woeful at the back last season, conceding nearly two goals per game on average. Four of the regular back five from last term have departed the club, while veteran central midfielder Fabien Lemoine, who spent much of the season injured, has also gone. The changes are likely to start in goal, where Yvon Mvogo arrives from Leipzig with the ambition of displacing Paul Nardi, who was questionable last term. Meanwhile, the defence will be much younger than last season, with Montassar Talbi, Darlin Yongwa and Gedeon Kalulu all arriving at the club. What they gain in energy and vivacity they will lose in experience, though these are all up-and-coming players. Elsewhere, Le Bris is ready to put faith in the squad Pellissier had last season. They look a little short in central midfield with Lemoine’s departure, but in a more attacking sense they will be looking for Enzo Le Fee to continue his development. Perhaps the area where the easiest gains are to be made, though, are in attack. Terem Moffi is an amply capable striker but seemed to lose his confidence last season. If he can regain it, he will be very dangerous indeed. Similarly, Ibrahima Kone arrived in January half fit and contributed excellently off the bench. He should benefit from being at his full capacity. Meanwhile, Le Bris will look for the likes of Sambou Sissoko, Armand Lauriente and Stephane Diarra to continue their improvements. This is a very young squad with a good deal of potential. They will have gained from last season’s experience but there is still a sense that they could improve with another old head in their team.