Football Season Guide

Metz made a decent return to Ligue 1 last season as they finished in the middle of the lower half of the standings. Their position owed much to a strong conclusion to the campaign, which saw them win five of their last nine matches, promoting them from 18th. Vincent Hognon, the head coach, arguably did the best work of his career during that period and remains in post for another season. The board has invested in the squad in a bid to strengthen their prospects this term, although the loss of creative midfielder Adama Traore, who was their chief assist maker last season, complicates matters. Thus far, though, they have retained the services of centre forward Habib Diallo, whose 12 goals were instrumental in their survival. If he is sold – Tottenham are among the teams linked – there are high hopes that the void can be filled by Ibrahima Niane, while Thierry Ambrose’s loan deal from Manchester City has been made permanent, despite an unspectacular campaign last time out. Kevin Ndoram is another whose temporary transfer has been made permanent, though he was influential in the midfield, an area that has been strengthened by the signing of the experienced Vincent Pajot, who may well be a back-up option. Meanwhile, Metz have gambled in their other arrivals. Warrne Tchimbembe, an attacking wide midfielder, has signed from Troyes, having impressed in the early weeks of 2020 in Ligue 2, while Vagner, one of the second tier’s standout players on loan at Nancy before serious injury, has arrived from Saint-Etienne. Neither is guaranteed to be a success. The defence, meanwhile, remains intact, and while it is not an outstanding area of their side, it was hardly a cause for major concern at any point last term, rarely conceding more than one in a game after a slow start.