Football Season Guide

Montpellier go into the new season tinged with sadness following the passing of enigmatic club owner Louis Nicollin over the summer. The president was a larger-than-life figure and was behind much of the strategy that has allowed the Stade de la Mosson club to establish themselves as a regular force in Ligue 1, even claiming the league title in 2011-12. Although Montpellier finished 15th last season, they accumulated only 39 points which was the lowest tally they have achieved since being relegated from the top flight in 2003-04. As a result, they can again expect to flirt with problems, not least because they have offloaded top scorer Steve Mounie, whose aerial power was such an asset last season. Giovanni Sio has arrived at the club in his place but is not anything like as effective in terms of scoring goals, even if he is a strong player in the air. Chief playmaker Ryad Boudebouz has also left the club to join Real Betis. He had been undoubtedly their most important player as he provides not only ammunition for the forwards but a goal threat of his own. Otherwise, the midfield has gone largely untouched and should have a familiar look and feel to it when the season begins but there is also the suggestion that Stephane Sessegnon may move on after impressing as a deep-lying midfielder last term. Facundo Piriz has arrived from Russian football to bring depth to that area. A couple of fresh faces have been added to the backline. Pedro Mendes has been added to provide extra muscle to a defence that was leaky last season. Ruben Aguilar is liable only to be a back-up player on the right given that Mathieu Deplagne has moved on. Long-time servant Geoffrey Jourdren has left, making way for a new goalkeeper in the form of Benjamin Lecomte who was not at his best for Lorient last term but should represent an upgrade.