Football Season Guide

The past season was the best Sochaux had since having been acquired by Chinese entrepreneurs in 2019 and since their relegation from the Ligue 1 back in 2013-2014: in fact, they finished on the 7th place, a long way from the playoffs but also from the danger zone. Had they been more consistent throughout the season and had they been able to rely on a prolific striker, they could have actually gone for more, though. Coach Daf, at his third campaign in charge of the team, was logically confirmed also for the new season. Unlike most of the other Ligue 2 sides, who opted for minimal makeup changes, Sochaux went through a total squad refurbishment over the summer. No less than 5 regulars left while some trimming of the backups also took place. No less than 3 full-backs were let go, in particular M’Bakata and Paye, as Sans only seldom made the XI, and they will be replaced by just-arrived Henry and Aaneba, with the former likely to start. Attacking midfielder Soumaré also represents a great loss for Sochaux and the experienced Mauricio came from Lens to replace him. In the attack, Lasme, one of their best scorers last season, and Ourega will also be departing and they should be replaced by two versatile wingers, Do Couto and, most remarkably, Kalulu. Bad news is that on-loan Bedia, capable of 9 goals and 2 assists like Lasme, returned to Charleroi and Kitala is still a long way from recovering from a serious knee injury, thus leaving Daf with no alternatives to Niane, 4 goals and 1 assist last season, at striker. Sochaux still have an incomplete squad as they lack alternatives at centre-back and left-back and also miss a striker and some further depth upfront.