Football Season Guide

Toulouse narrowly missed relegation last season, but that they survived at all was thanks to the magic of head coach Pascal Dupraz, who lead them away from a seemingly impossible position in the relegation zone with a matter of weeks remaining. Their escape was completed late on the final day of the season and means that the Stadium Municipal outfit will play their 13th successive season in the top flight. Over the course of the summer, the former Evian boss has taken his chance to change his squad. Players who did not contribute significantly have been allowed to depart on loan, but one player that TFC would not have wished to see go is Wissam Ben Yedder, who was hugely influential last term. Ben Yedder came up with goals at vital times but was a little streaky. Meanwhile, Martin Braithwaite was a good foil, though rather unpredictable. Ola Toivonen has arrived from Rennes and could prove an excellent signing for the southern side – but only if he can find his top level. His attitude has been questioned and could be a problem if he does not enjoy a strong start. Dupraz is otherwise unlikely to overhaul what provided him with so much success last term, with Oscar Trejo reinvigorated in a creative midfield role under the new boss. Jessy Pi arrives from Monaco to bolster the midfield and Christopher Jullien is an interesting signing in the heart of the defence. A star for Dijon as they won promotion last term, he proved to be a particularly dangerous goal scorer from set-piece situations, and this strength is something that Toulouse will wish to exploit over the coming campaign. Meanwhile, teenage goalkeeper Alban Lafont will hope to continue his progression as he certainly did not look out of his depth in Ligue 1 last term along with young centre-back Issa Diop.