Football Season Guide

The past campaign undoubtedly was the worst one ever for Pau since reaching the Ligue 2 for their first time, back in 2020/2021. In fact, they finished on the 13th place, with 42 points, wide away from those playoff spots they had been battling for in the previous season. Up until the beginning of the New Year, they even looked capable of going for more than just the top 10 but then they started an inexorable fall, characterized by 3 wins out of the final 15 games. Unfortunately for them, an injury crisis hit them during the winter and it took a heavy toll. Coach Nicolas Usai, in charge since July 2023, can be happy for the way things went as, if nothing else, they were never involved in the fight for survival. Bad news arrives from the transfer campaign, though. Due to the reduction of the TV income, the club is forced to make some sacrifices, with some of their stars quitting. The first one to leave was key goalie Kamara, often decisive with his saves. 20-year-old Raveyre, on loan from Milan Futuro, where he had a positive season, could become the new n.1, although he has no experience at this level. Salles is the alternative. Both full-backs, Obiang and Koudou, also left together with often-used back-up centre-back Kouassi. At right-back, Glossoa could be given a starting chance, since Gaspar is often injured. At left-back, 17-year-old Derouin could represent an alternative to Kalulu. The heart of the defence was strengthened by experienced Briançon, arriving from Saint Etienne, and Karamoko, coming from the lower leagues. The midfield saw the last-minute departure of starting Mille, who distinguished himself last season. He has not been replaced at the moment and he will be missed. Meddah, a centre-back, could end up being adapted as holding midfielder. In the attack, with back-up wingers Chahiri, Diawara and Bangre gone, Versini could be battling for a start. With key striker Boutaib considering a move, Sadik could become a protagonist, after doing well for Espanyol B side.