Football Season Guide

Reims had been widely tipped to win promotion back to Ligue 1 at the first attempt last season but they fell short of doing so as they turned in a disappointing campaign. Changes have been made as a result, with David Guion taking charge instead of Michel Der Zakarian, who has moved to Montpellier. Significant changes have been made throughout the team, with a good deal of deadwood stripped away. The squad has been streamlined somewhat, losing many players who contributed little last season. Indeed, only right-back Hamari Traore has departed in terms of men that Reims might have wanted to keep. Improving the quality of the players on the club's books has been the target, although there is limited evidence to suggest that has been achieved, particularly in an attacking capacity, which is where Reims persistently failed last season. A lack of natural scorer was a serious problem and there is little to suggest that they have upgraded dramatically by signing Anatole Ngamukol from Red Star. Youngsters Remi Oudin, Jordy Siebatcheu and Grejohn Kyei will continue to bear a good deal of the attacking burden. Indeed, many of the new faces are inexperienced and defensive, though that does not apply to midfielder Xavier Chavalerin, who also arrives from Red Star. He will slot into a unit that looks robust in its defensive capabilities, though perhaps lacking somewhat in creativity. In the defence, Youssouf Kone joins on loan from Lille, while Hendrick Cakin was considered one of Nantes reserves’ best players last term. Yunis Abdelhamid, who is a proven competitor at this level, will be the man that the back four is built around, with Julian Jeanvier an important player last term. Reims scored many goals from set pieces last season and, while they will want to maintain that, extra flair is required for them to make the step back up.