Football Season Guide

Amiens have enjoyed two seasons in Ligue 1, where a club of their size would appear to have little right to spend any time. Their task in extending their stay in the top flight, however, is arguably harder than ever this year. Although they have retained all their key players from last season, they have lost head coach Christophe Pelissier, who is one of the best in France. Surprisingly, he has gone down to Ligue 2 side Lorient, but that serves only to highlight how fragile Amiens’ project is, particularly in terms of finances. In his place they have drafted in well regarded young Slovenian coach Luka Elsner, who is noted for his attacking style, but it will be a hard transition for the inexperienced 36-year-old to come to France and hit the ground running. Recruitment was a major problem last season, but this time around they have opted for more security by completing a number of signings of players who were at the club on loan last season. Among such figures as Emil Krafth (though he may yet be sold on at profit), Alexis Blin and, most pertinently, Eddy Gnahore. They still appear quite solid at the back, but having lost Pelissier’s renowned organisational skills, life is sure to become more difficult for the defenders, who have also seen the vastly experienced Khaled Adenon depart. Prince Gouano, Bakaye Dibassy and Jordan Lefort are the natural centre-backs, though it would be no surprise to see Christophe Jallet fill such a role after arriving on a free from Nice. Left-back Haitam Aleesami is set to be the only new face in the defence, while the midfield will also be largely untouched. Bongani Zungu returning to full fitness after struggling last year will be a big boost if he can regain his best form. Offensively, little has changed. Saman Ghoddos has the potential to be a smash hit but struggled at points last season, as did Moussa Konate, whose injury really hit the side hard. With Serhou Guirassy also joining up, there is a decent corps to build from in attack.