Football Season Guide

Lorient are back in the top-flight after winning Ligue 2 last season, and the Bretons are seeking to re-establish themselves as an elite club. They previously had a four-year spell in Ligue 1 that saw them generally struggle. They finished 16th-17th in 3 of 4 campaigns, although they were only relegated because of league reconstruction when they did go down. Scoring goals, meanwhile, has not been much of an issue for a team that prides itself on having an attacking mentality. Last season, they bagged 68 while they also hit the 50 mark on a couple of occasions when last in Ligue 1. They should maintain this mentality under Olivier Pantaloni. Having won promotion, Lorient have not elected to make big changes. Indeed, they have retained their entire first-choice team with the exception of the mercurial Junior Kroupi, who excelled last season and will be a huge miss. As yet, the youngster has not been replaced and that could be an issue when it comes to finding goals. While Lorient have numerous centre-forwards, they do have a habit of being a little erratic. Mohamed Bamba could be a decisive figure if he can find his rhythm, while there are a number of exciting attacking midfielders, most notably Pablo Pagis. In midfield, all eyes will be on Arthur Avom after a blistering introduction to the first team last season, when he rapidly established himself as a starting player. Equally, Noah Cadiou is rewarded for an excellent season with Rodez as he has been signed up and will be a support player. Just as across all areas of this squad, youth prevails in defence, with the addition of Arsene Kouassi from Ajaccio underlining their commitment to developing players. Lorient do have some experience in their starting four, with Montassar Talbi expected to be a leader beside Formose Mendy, Darlin Yongwa and Gedeon Kalulu. Benjamin Leroy is in line to be Lorient’s starting keeper, which could be an area of weakness.