Football Season Guide

Brest return to Ligue 1 after six seasons in the second flight, though over the course of the summer they lost the man who masterminded their push for promotion, Jean-Marc Furlan. The Breton side, who have spent only one three-season spell in the top flight since 1991, were noted for their enterprising attacking play last season, a feature of new boss Olivier Dall’Oglio’s play when he was in charge at Dijon, establishing them in the top flight. Offensively, they will lean on players who have yet to prove themselves in the top flight. Gaetan Charbonnier was utterly prolific last term but that was a completely out-of-character season from the centre forward, who has generally been functional but not spectacular. Kevin Mayi, meanwhile, has little Ligue 1 experience. In the attacking midfield sector, Yoann Court’s contribution is likely to be important from the left, with Mathias Autret and Cristian Battocchio the key playmakers. Samuel Grandsir has arrived on loan from Monaco but is a player with a reputation bigger than his performances have ever been worthy of. At 22, this could be his last chance to come good if he’s to reach the very top. There’s plenty of energy in the midfield but matching their opponents technically will likely be above their level. Again, they have taken a gamble on a Monaco youngster by adding Ibrahima Diallo on loan. The promotion-winning defence is untouched, though that was not the best sector of their team. Denys Bain’s arrival does bolster it to some extent and he is expected to go straight into the starting XI. Again, though, he is a player untested at the top level. Goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur was superb last season and the France Under-21 international well deserves his chance to play in Ligue 1.