Football Season Guide

Metz won promotion back to Ligue 1 in the summer and will be aiming to prevent themselves further establishing their yo-yo reputation by surviving in the top flight. They will be led by head coach Philippe Hinschberger, who took the reins of the club last Christmas following an indifferent run of form. Although they won promotion, their squad looked a little disjointed and poorly put together, and for that reason there have been significant changes over the course of the summer. Previous coach Jose Riga drafted in numerous players from exotic locations and many of these players have been dispensed with over the summer. Instead, they have sought to establish a French core, focusing particularly on players with plenty of Ligue 1 experience. France-born Turkey international striker Mevlut Erding is an example of their additions. While the striker once played for PSG and held great promise at Sochaux, he has been somewhat ineffective in recent seasons. Nevertheless, he will carry a good deal of responsibility in the forward line given that Habib Diallo, so explosive in the second half of last season, is extremely green. Key player last term was Yeni Ngbakoto, yet he is liable to be sold before the end of August. Metz have been premtive in replacing him, with Yann Jouffre stepping in along with youngster Opa Nguette. In the heart of the field, they have upgraded by adding Renaud Cohade, a player of great experience, and Florent Mollet, whose long-range shooting can catch the eye. Any real areas of concern in the defence have been addressed by experienced signings. The left-back role was primary among these, yet Franck Signorino has arrived from Reims to fill that void. He was relegated last season with the Champagne side, and in truth there is a high probability he will be fighting against the drop again as the individual quality of player in this side is one of the lowest in the league. Unless they can come together effectively, and probably quite quickly, a long season lies ahead.