Football Season Guide

The last season represents a major disappointment for Paris FC as they were eliminated from the promotion playoffs at the end of a campaign when they had often been dominating. In fact, until early April, they were still in contention for direct promotion to the Ligue 1 but, then, injuries, Covid and fatigue took their toll: despite losing only 2 out of the final 8 games they dropped to the 4th spot and then did not have enough steam against Sochaux. Coach Thierry Laurey, hired to repeat the wonders displayed at Gazelec and Strasbourg, 2 sides he led to promotion, will now have to build on the good done last season while also rejoicing for a new group of investors brought in new cash. During the transfer campaign, Paris logically saw no reason for dismantling the squad and they actually did not need to sacrifice any of their main stars. In fact, among the starters, only defending midfielder Siby had to go as he returned to his parent club. Back-up striker Alfarela was the only other relevant player to quit, as he was traded to Bastia together with cash for centre-back Le Cardinal. The latter should become a protagonist at the back after a remarkable season in Corsica. Not only they strengthened the defence with Le Cardinal but they also added some depth to the squad acquiring experienced players for the midfield in Lasne and Phiri and for the attack in Hamel. The striker position was one they had real troubles with last season mostly due to injuries: not surprisingly only 13 goals came from the 6 players acting in that role and Laurey will hope to be luckier this time around.