Football Season Guide

Rodez have been the masters of survival in Ligue 2 in recent years. A club that is on paper too small to play at this level, they move into their fifth season in the second flight, having avoided relegation by the narrowest of margins last term. They needed to win in Bordeaux to survive, which they did as the match was abandoned as they led 1-0. It took extraordinary form to secure a Ligue 2 spot this term. In the last 13 matches, they won 24 of their 43 points and suffered only three defeats. This is a team with a strong mentality and will to survive. Previously key midfielder Remy Boissier has departed to Dunkerque, his influence having faded late last season, while they have seen experienced centre-back Aymen Abdennour depart after an injury-riddled campaign. His loss will not be keenly felt. Meanwhile, this is a club that typically does not use their loan players as extensively as might be expected, with only Marvin Senaya’s loss really hurting them in this department. Perhaps surprisingly, another centre-back has not been drafted in. Rodez were hit with injuries in that area last season and this could be a problem section with four natural players competing for three spots, albeit Bradley Danger dropped back effectively there last term. Giovanni Haag arrives as Boissier’s midfield replacement, with the 23-year-old boasting Ligue 2 experience at Nancy, where he gained a reputation for poor discipline, picking up six red cards in two seasons and 50 league appearances – this will hurt Rodez if it continues. Offensively, they have quick players who are suited to their counterattacking style, with Andreas Hountondji arriving from Caen in this mould. This is not a team that scores many goals, though, with Didier Santini typically setting them up to frustrate and pinch a goal on the counter. They have not averaged more than a goal per game in their four Ligue 2 seasons previously, and that trend is likely to continue with a team once again pieced together largely from players other teams simply don’t want.