Clermont secured promotion to Ligue 1 for the first time ever with a second-placed finish that was secured before the final round of matches.
Pascal Gastien’s side have been threatening such a success for several years but have finally made good on their promise, playing a technical brand of football that was arguably the most impressive in the league.
Their season started slowly, though. Through the first five games, they had recorded only a single victory, albeit they played both Toulouse and Troyes during this tricky run.
Indeed, it was not until around Christmas time that they started to gain a head of speed, with their attacking players finding form and starting to convert the chances they were creating. Although they tailed off a little as the conclusion to the campaign was reached, it was fitting that they finished second.
Clermont might have had problems with a very small squad, but they largely managed to stay fit until issues gripped the midfield at the end of the season. Had these struck earlier, they may have found trouble.
Indeed, it was the midfield that was the powerhouse of their side, with Yohann Magnin, Johan Gastien and Jason Berthomier key figures. They were largely well supported by the attackers, with Mohamed Bayo notably finishing with a glut of goals. Nevertheless, the centre-forward had the luxury of plenty of chances to take – and that was also the case with wingers Jim Allevinah and Jodel Dossou, the latter of whom came onto a strong game.
The defence was based around a steady four-man unit that was backed by the impressive Arthur Desmas in goal.
Clermont’s recruitment and ability to replace departing players has been one of their absolute strengths in recent years. While they will be better able to retain players thanks to promotion, their challenge will be adding the depth to the squad required for the rigours of Ligue 1.
