Football Season Guide

Strasbourg have taken big strides forward over the last seven years and they continued last season under the new guidance of head coach Julien Stephan. Indeed, they broke into the top 10 in Ligue 1 for the first time since 1999-2000 and did so comfortably, finishing sixth in the standings. All that was missing was a European spot. Racing were fired last season by a strong strike trio of Kevin Gameiro, Habib Diallo and Ludovic Ajorque. Unfortunately for them, Ajorque, who was the outstanding member of the three, is strongly linked with a move away from the club. For the time being, though, he remains. If he goes, Racing’s attacking will be diminished. Beyond this trio, there is some good depth in the midfield, with Adrien Thomasson enjoying a strong campaign last season as their creative force. With Sanjin Prcic, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Ibrahima Sissoko, there is some decent depth there, too. In the wider areas, Dimitri Lienard remains impressively fit and will be a valued member of the squad. Strasbourg have strengthened thanks to Colin Dagba and Thomas Delaine down the flanks. The defence, too, remains untouched, with Lucas Perrin completing his move from Marseille. Indeed, with Maxime Le Marchand fully fit again, there is an argument that suggests that Strasbourg are stronger here than they were last season, too. The only player to depart is Anthony Caci on a free transfer, but there is a strong argument that he is not as strong as Delaine – at least defensively. Matz Sels did not have his best season in goal in 2021/22, but is a strong performer nevertheless. Strasbourg, meanwhile, are aided by an excellent home support that makes them a formidable opponent in Alsace. Combined with the shrewd management of Stephan, who has shown himself to be flexible in his tactical ideas, Racing are set to be a force once more.