Football Season Guide

Lorient significantly outstripped expectations last season by achieving a mid-table finish, yet there was also some disappointment as they struggled in the closing weeks of the campaign to miss out on Europe. They made a slow start to the season but really accelerated when they attack started to click but their defence proved too weak to exceed their final position. Olivier Pantaloni stepped down at the end of the season and has been replaced by Alexandre Dujeux, who produced a strong performance to keep Angers safe. His test this time will be rather different as there are greater expectations at Lorient, despite the big-money sale of Pablo Pagis, who led the club in goal contributions last season with 15. The squad, however, has largely been untouched otherwise, with the loss of captain Laurent Abergel a blow in midfield, even if he was aging. The coach has admitted that his squad is too big and will be trimmed down in the days before the transfer window ends, so this is still clearly a team in development. After winning their first 4 friendlies, they lost against Angers – the only Ligue 1 opponent they have faced this summer. Lorient were impressive in the latter part of last season offensively, with left wing-back Arsene Kouassi an outstanding threat. The DNA of the club is to produce attractive, attacking football, making them a good team to watch. Bamba Dieng was an effective finisher last season, coming out a difficult few seasons to star. There was little certainty about Lorient’s defending last season, with the centre-backs an area of weakness. This could be further exposed with primary defensive midfielder Abergel having departed the club. Their total of 51 goals conceded was one of the poorest records in the league.