Valenciennes pushed towards midtable last season, but it was not a happy campaign for the northern side, who had issues off the field to cope with. They changed coach on several occasions and were forced to put up with boardroom strife. Things are shaping up little better this term for the northern club, who have failed to get their squad in place quickly for the new season.
Head coach Reginald Ray, who struggled to impress last term, struggled to add rapidly to his squad. Crucially, though, Gaetan Robail has been re-signed on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, while experienced defender Joffrey Cuffaut has also arrived at the club from Nancy. And, by the middle of July, Dijon midfielder Eden Massouema and goalkeeper Thomas Vincensini had joined to bolster numbers.
Valenciennes still may be a little short on quality, particularly after losing Saliou Ciss and Mehdi Tahrat, both of whom had arrived on loan from Angers in January and had provided solidarity. Given the club’s financial position, though, it is little surprise they have been unable to supplement their panel in the manner they might have wished. They have managed to retain the core of their side, however, with goalkeeper Damien Perquis having been an absolutely key player last season.
More will be expected of the midfield, where veteran Sebastien Roudet was their key figure last season with eight goals and seven assists. He cannot be expected to continue such form. Meanwhile, Julien Masson and Tony Mauricio will hope to continue to show the promise they managed for much of last term.
The forward line does have a great deal of room for improvement. Injury prevented Medhy Guezoui making the impact he would have wished last season, while Steve Ambri was too inconsistent. It is to Sloan Privat – three goals in 11 outings last term – they will pin their hopes on for goals.
