Football Season Guide

Bordeaux missed out on European qualification last season and jettisoned head coach Willy Sagnol as a result. His reign was not a disaster, but there was certainly a feeling of underachievement last term at Stade Matmut-Atlantique, which was scarred by a long run of poor form. Highly rated Guingamp coach Jocelyn Gourvennec has been given his opportunity to finally cut his teeth at one of France’s biggest sides, and the expectation will be that he will lead a strong European challenge. There have been no particularly damaging departures this summer. Mathieu Debuchy’s loan spell from Arsenal is up and was rather indifferent in any case, while Clement Chantome is the other regular to have left. Instead, Bordeaux have upgraded, with the eye-catching signing of Jeremy Toulalan a particular coup for them, given the former France star was one of Monaco’s best players last season and remains one of the best holding midfielders in the league. On the wings, Francois Kamano and Jeremy Menez have both been signed, although the former AC Milan ace is likely to miss the start of the season after part of his ear was severed in a promising friendly win over Lorient at the beginning of August. His arrival represents a real coup, even if he is a rather enigmatic figure. Replacing Debuchy is promising young player Youssef Sabaly, who arrives from PSG. These players add to an already talented pool. Gourvennec will be hoping to get the best from Diego Rolan, who is perhaps the club’s only true goal scorer and had a difficult season under Sagnol. Meanwhile, youngsters Thomas Toure and particularly Adam Ounas are hoping to continue their promising development in the attacking midfield sector with Malcom. Long-term injury problems Gregory Sertic and Nicolas Pallois are back to shore the team up in a defensive capacity, though goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso is not expected back until close to Christmas. The loss of his experience will be acutely felt – Bordeaux only have an average age of 23, which is likely to be their greatest obstacle as they chase a return to Europe.