Football Season Guide

Reims head into the new season in buoyant mood after a spectacular campaign that saw them chalk up a record number of points in a Ligue 2 season. It was their physicality and athleticism that allowed them to thrive in the second tier, and they will hope that they can similarly impose themselves on the top flight, though of course that will prove a more difficult challenge. Indeed, they have moved to shore up the defensive areas of their side, surprisingly having allowed central midfielder Danilson to depart for Nancy in the summer. Julian Jeanvier was another defensive stalwart to leave. They have been replaced respectively by Alaixys Romao and Thomas Fontaine, both of whom are experienced, though do not represent an obvious step up in quality. Additionally, Ghislain Konan has been drafted in as a new left-back, which is a clear upgrade. Elsewhere, though, there have been few changes. Diego was another player allowed to leave for free in the summer, with Moussa Doumbia arriving from Rostov to replace him, while Tristan Dingome will add both experience and a touch of quality in the midfield. In attack, Reims look short. Jordy Siebatcheu was not always a favourite with the fans last season but he has joined Rennes having been their top scorer. There has been no player yet brought in to replace him. Remi Oudin finished the campaign well and Pablo Chavarria was outstanding throughout, but they now carry an enormous weight on their shoulders in an attacking sense. There is also an onus on head coach David Guion to develop another approach that is more tactically or technically based; teams will more quickly adapt to Reims’ style at this level and will be more adept at dealing with it in the first place.