Brest endured another season of frustration last time out, finishing fifth in the league but missing out via the playoffs after losing to Ajaccio. It was the second time in as many years that they finished in that spot, and they scored they same number of goals and conceded one fewer than they had 12 months earlier, finishing on exactly the same number of points.
Jean-Marc Furlan remains in charge, despite strained relations with the board, which threatened his position last term. Nevertheless, a clear out has taken place, with experienced campaigners such as Johann Gastien and Bruno Grougi departing after they failed to justify their spots in the team last season with a disappointing campaign. Furthermore, Jason Berthomier has gone and, with Ibrahima Sissoko moving to Strasbourg, the midfield has a completely new look.
Ferris N’Goma and Thomas Ayasse are the two players added to anchor the side, while the loss of creativity on the flanks will be compensated by the additions of Yoann Court – one of the league’s best players two seasons ago before a downturn last term – and Haris Belkebla. There has been no change in the attacking sector, which was an area that they struggled to find balance in at time last term. Gaetan Charbonnier is a good option both in terms of creating goals for others and scoring himself, but was not well used last term and sometimes totally ignored. Beyond him, their options are limited, although Edouard Butin is coming off a good campaign.
In the rearguard, no dramatic alterations have taken place but, while the defence is solid, it is not one that is liable to be in the best handful in the league. Indeed, last term they relied quite heavily on promising young goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur, who had an excellent breakthrough year and is again liable to be an important figure. In the defence itself, the experience of Anthony Weber will be key, while Jean-Charles Castelletto is a player who is improving.
