Football Season Guide

At his first season in charge, coach Philippe Hinschberger had to deal with a bloated and, especially in the last months, undisciplined squad. Thus, last season Amiens only limited themselves to avoiding relegation despite showing some potential when at their best. In fact, they were tough to beat for any team but often lacked the motivations to go pushing for a win. Testament to that is the fact that they drew 17 games, more than any other Ligue 2 side, while won just 9. Confirmed at the helm, over the summer Hinschberger started getting rid of all the deadwood and players who had proven to be not committed to the Amiens cause such as Gnahore, Diakhaby and Dossevi, to name a few. Beside them, he also had to let go starters like centre-back Pavlovic, wingers Akolo and Bamba, their assist leader, and key midfielder Lusamba. More big names, such as centre-back Mendy, also seem likely to quit in the next weeks, as they are liable of attracting offers that cannot be refused, by bigger clubs. At the same time, most of the players returning from loan, like Lahne and Assogba, should not be considered at all. At the back, Opoku, fully recovered after a long-lasting injury, and the newcomers Gelin and, promising, Barry are all set to become protagonists alongside Fofana. Experienced Ring was signed for the left flank, an area where they had problems last season, with youngster Xantippe as an alternative. Central midfielders Fofana and Lomotey could be given more relevant roles, given Lusamba's and Zungu's departures. New signings right winger Leautey, arrived after a forgettable spell in Portugal, and 18-year-old wonderboy Chibozo should become the main alternatives to Tolu and Badji, 21 goals and 4 assists altogether last season, who were too inconsistent at times. Hinschberger aims at working with a 22-man squad and he feels he currently has all he needs. In case of further departures, though, Amiens would have to go looking for valid replacements. Otherwise, they intend to fully rely on youngsters coming from the junior teams.