Football Season Guide

Strasbourg secured safety in Ligue 1 last season by a narrow margin; had they been just a point worse off, they would have been forced into a playoff. Last term was a success for the Alsace side, who were back at the top level after a lengthy and painful absence, and though they only won nine games (only bottom side Metz picked up fewer victories), there were some memorable highs, such as a home victory over PSG. Racing’s strength was their ability to find the net. They scored 44 times, which was comfortably more than the vast majority of their relegation rivals, although over the course of the summer they have lost important attackers Martin Terrier and Stephane Bahoken. Their strength, however, was that they spread their goals out well, so these are not decisive blows, particularly as summer addition Ludovic Ajorque should carry a threat having arrived from Clermont, where he was a predatory presence. Adrien Thomasson is also a good signing on a free transfer. Head coach Thierry Laurey has concentrated most prominently on strengthening his defence, with Stefan Mitrovic coming from Gent and Lamine Kone signed on loan from Sunderland. Goalkeeper Matz Sels has been added from Newcastle in an attempt to upgrade that area, with Alexandre Oukidja moving to Metz. Perhaps the greatest loss to Strasbourg this summer is the sale of Jean-Eudes Aholou to Monaco as he was so impressive in the heart of the field last season. Youngster Ibrahima Sissoko has been added as a direct replacement but has big boots to fill, particularly after just one season of football in Ligue 2. Strasbourg’s collective strength will again have to come to the fore if they are to achieve survival this season, but they have a steady squad and a smart coach. With strong home backing, Racing will feel well placed to secure another campaign of top-level football.