Football Season Guide

Montpellier enjoyed a good season last time out, missing out on Europe but securing a comfortable finish high up the table. There has been, however, a changing of the guard in the summer, with long time head coach Michel Der Zakarian stepping aside to be replaced by Olivier Dall’Oglio, while experienced players Hilton and Daniel Congre have left, too. Montpellier’s philosophy should not change too dramatically. Dall’Oglio is a coach who prefers to play attacking football where possible but, like Der Zakarian before him, he has a pragmatic side and is prepared to become more direct when it suits his side. This should be ideal for strike duo Andy Delort and Gaetan Laborde, a pair that much will rest upon given their excellent understanding. The front two of Montpellier are also important because they are otherwise a little limited in terms of centre-forward options. Elye Wahi is likely to be their third choice, although he is only 18 and, while promising, is still erratic. There are a couple of excellent technicians in midfield in the form of Teji Savanier and Florent Mollet. Youngster Leo Leroy has arrived to provide cover. But there is good balance in midfield, too, with Jordan Ferri and Joris Chotard offering cover in a more defensive capacity. Montpellier’s significant changes have come in defence, where the experienced pairing of Congre and Hilton have departed, while Pedro Mendes is a long-term absentee. Mamadou Sakho and Thuler have arrived, though the Brazilian faces a challenge to settle in France. Nicolas Cozza, meanwhile, could graduate to the status of a regular if they elect to go with a three-man defence. There are options in the full-back areas, too. Arnaud Souquet and Junior Sambia are a good pair on the right, while there is not as much depth on the left.