Football Season Guide

The past season will certainly be remembered by AC Ajaccio as a disappointing one, although they surprisingly were amongst the main protagonists of the Ligue 2. In fact, the Coronavirus pandemic could have cost them a long-hoped-for, and highly unexpected, promotion to the top flight of the French football as the campaign was interrupted while they were on a high and sitting third in the table, just 2 and 1 points off FC Lorient and Racing Club de Lens, the sides that eventually made it to the Ligue 1. In the past campaign, coach Pantaloni, who will be confirmed at the helm for the 6th season in a row, relied on a solid defence, capable of keeping 16 clean sheets and conceding just 22 goals, FC Valenciennes only did better than them with 20. Quite logically, the management saw no reason at all for touching the rearguard over the summer, while, on the other hand, they basically lost all their attack and some protagonists in the midfield. Seasoned Cavalli and Lejeune both retired at the end of the season while the likes of Cuypers, Courtet and Bayale all had to return to their parent clubs due to the end of their loans. The last 3 can be accounted for 19 goals – half of the 38 goals scored by Ajaccio - and 12 assists overall in the past campaign. Thus, living on a tight budget, Ajaccio were only capable of signing some free agents and a loanee. In particular, Barreto and Moussiti-Oko, who are going to strengthen a depleted attack. The goals will be expected to come from the latter, who has been rather prolific only at Championnat National level, and young El Idrissy, who scored 5 in the past campaign. Lecoeuche and N’Diaye should also become protagonists in the midfield. With so many players gone and the promising Tramoni brothers, Matteo and Lisandru, still aiming at leaving for pastures new, Ajaccio could end up with a short squad as they are still missing a winger and a centre-forward.