Football Season Guide

The past season was a very disappointing one for Auxerre, who were returning to the Ligue 1 after a decade spent in the Ligue 2. In fact, despite a poor start to the season and an early change at the helm, they had managed to steady the ship under coach Christophe Pellissier but a final 7-game winless run eventually cost them dear as they missed salvation by just 1 point. Promotion-specialist Pellissier was confirmed at the helm in the new season and that is good news as it means that Auxerre hold great ambitions for the next campaign. As occurred to all the other teams coming from the Ligue 2, Auxerre too had to get rid of some deadwood, like aging winger Dugimont, while a few loanees had to go back to their parent clubs. Among them, starting goalie Radu, centre-back Touré, right-back Zedadka and midfielder Massengo represent the main losses. At the back, back-up Leon will be promoted to the number one post, while Agouzol arrived from Sochaux to act in the heart of the defence and valid Joly, returned from an experience at Dijon, should be the new right-back. The midfield not only lost Massengo but some more protagonists of the past campaigns like Touré and Autret. Talented Buayi-Kiala was the sole addition so far in that area while a lot is expected from Owusu, who is back from injury. Their main scorer Niang, with 7 goals, was also let go together with Abline, who returned to Rennes. Thus, this season more goals will be expected from confirmed Do Couto and promising Camara.