Football Season Guide

Rodez’s period of overachievement continued last season as they defied a poor start to the season to finish strongly and ultimately attain a rather comfortable place in Ligue 2 for this campaign. Their stability has been achieved by the remarkable achievements of head coach Laurent Peyrelade, who remains in charge of the side for what will be a seventh season. When they have enjoyed periods of fine results, this has been underpinned by the unity and team spirit that Peyrelade has brought to the team. This season, however, promises to be their most difficult in Ligue 2 to date. Over the course of the summer, they have lost a handful of important starting players, with David Douline, a stoic presence in the heart of their side, departing for Swiss football, while right wing-back Valentin Henry has left for Sochaux. The damage to their starting XI, however, could have been far greater. Crucially, key midfielder Remy Boissier remains along with the dangerous Ugo Bonnet in attack. In defence, meanwhile, Julien Celestine has been highly impressive since arriving in January. Rodez’s arrivals have been based on measured risk. Clement Depres has joined from Nimes after a couple of years out with injury. If the forward was to reach his best level, he would be an excellent addition, but that appears unrealistic after such a trying period. Meanwhile, a collection of largely untested players from reserve teams has also joined the club. Lorenzo Rajot, who has moved from Clermont is one exception to this, with the 23-year-old expected to fill Douline’s boots. It will be a hard task. Bradley Danger is the player recruited to fill the void down the right, meanwhile. He impressed with Chambly last season and deserved another chance at Ligue 2 football. Enzo Zidane’s arrival, meanwhile, should ensure some media interest in their fortunes, although the abilities of Zinedine’s son are untested in France and he is without a club since October 2020.