FM17 - French Football Thread

[Jogo Bonito]

 

FRENCH FOOTBALL GUIDE (SEASON 2016-2017)

 Welcome to the French Football thread for 2016-2017…

The Structure for 2016-2017

Ligue 1 (20 clubs): This year sees the introduction of relegation/promotion play offs. This means that two teams will be automatically relegated, but the 18^th place team may survive if they overcome the 3^rd place team from Ligue 2 in the play-off decider.

Ligue 2 (20 clubs): Due to the above, there will be two teams automatically promoted, and the 3^rd place team will take on the 18^th place team in Ligue 1. Two teams are automatically relegated, with the 18^th place team entering a play-off decider with the 3^rd place team from the National division.

National (18 clubs): Two teams will be automatically promoted, and the 3^rd place team will take on the 18^th place team in Ligue 2 for the chance to earn promotion. Four clubs will be automatically relegated to CFA level (A-D). The CFA levels are not playable on the default database, but one team from each of the four CFA classifications will gain promotion to the National division. 

 

So, why should you consider managing in France?

• There is lots of quality in the French leagues, with plenty of young talent always emerging
• Your players will attract attention from England, Germany, Spain and Italy, but the reputation of Ligue 1 is set high enough to attract established players and top prospects from all other nations
• Foreign player rules are very lenient, with no WP criteria and really manageable foreign limits even in lower leagues. African players are particularly prominent with their special dispensations, and as much of the African continent speaks French (particularly the West, North and Central regions) you can acquire low risk prospects without concerns over their ability to settle
• You might be the manager that halts the dominance of PSG, you might fancy taking one of the historical clubs back to the top of the ladder, or you may wish to bring a smaller top flight club some unlikely success. Below the top tier, there are plenty of ex-Ligue 1 clubs that could do with rediscovering better days - and there are plenty of clubs beyond that who haven't even dreamed about having something to celebrate   

 

[Jogo Bonito]

LIGUE 1 

 

Guide to the clubs (media prediction order with title odds)

 

PSG (Evens)

The cash-rich club from the capital city have won the title for the last four years and are hot favourites to make it five in a row. Their manager and top scorer both left the club in the summer though, so although the rest of France will struggle to compete with them financially, now is a good time for the opposition to try and match them on the pitch. It's almost impossible not to win Ligue 1 with these players and resources, but perhaps trying to make them a European force, or convert them in to an all-French side might be a challenge you fancy? Attacking midfielder Angel Di Maria is amongst a host of established stars at the club, whilst young centre-back Presnel Kimpembe is one to keep an eye on. Experienced striker Edinson Cavani will be looking to make the most of his long wait to be the main centre forward at the club.

 

AS Monaco (13-4)

Principality club Monaco have not won the top title since 2000, but will be looking to improve on their third place finishes in each of the last two terms. The club has recruited well this summer with the likes of excellent full-backs Djibril Sidibe (Lille) and Benjamin Mendy (Marseille) joining an exciting blend of young players like Fabinho, Jemerson, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Bernardo Silva. Teenager Kylian Mbappe is one to watch too, and there is no doubting the strength of their youth prospects. Lack of large crowds and history might put you off, but otherwise they're a really great pick if you like managing exciting young talent.

 

Olympique Lyonnais (7-2)

Lyon won seven consecutive titles as they dominated at the start of the new millennium, but have not been triumphant since the last in that sequence (2007-2008). They've been runners-up during the last two campaigns though, and have a superb youth system that keeps on producing great new talent. Experienced Ligue 1 centre-back Nicolas Nkoulou has been recruited from Marseille for the new campaign, and adds to a strong core of home-grown graduates sparkling at the club. Forwards Nabil Fekir and Alexandre Lacazette are always a threat in attack, whilst Maxwel Cornet has  constantly impressed since he burst on to the scene as a youngster with FC Metz. Another club who might tempt you with their 'promote the youth' philosophy.

 

OM (6-1)

Proof that the media don't always know what they're talking about. There is no way that Marseille are the fourth best team in France now, but there are many that think their new American owner is going to revive this great club. With a passionate support and a stadium capable of housing an impressive 67,000 people, plus in-game millions coming your way, you will have the chance to get them there sooner than any actual manager will do. The summer sales of the aforementioned Nkoulou and Mendy, plus 'keeper Steve Mandanda and star attackers Georges-Kevin Nkoudou and Michy Batshuayi (all to English clubs), mean that you start with a group of players at your disposal that isn't good enough for a club like this. However, if you love to pull the transfer trigger, you will relish the chance to rebuild this squad almost from scratch. With a massive six loan players already at the club, you'll need to make permanent moves in the market, but you'll be given the cash to do so. Central midfielder William Vainqueur (on loan from AS Roma) should boost the squad, but it might be the loan trio of Bafetimbi Gomis, Florian Thauvin and Clinton N'Jie that contribute most.

 

AS Saint-Etienne (30-1)

'Les Verts' are a club of great tradition, and are still the most successful team in French history with ten top tier titles in the trophy cabinet.  Their recent returns haven't been good though, with the last of those triumphs coming in 1980-1981 - in fact they haven't even made the top three since the following season. However, they do retain impressively passionate support, and are a big club waiting to be woken up. Goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier and defensive stalwart Loic Perrin remain vital cogs in the machine, but over the years they've become rather dour and could do with an injection of sparkle. Taking over the reigns from the respected Christophe Galtier (manager since 2009) would perhaps allow some fresh ideas and philosophies to be introduced, as they do seem rather stuck in their ways. Attacking midfielder Oussama Tannane and striker Robert Beric were good acquisitions last year, and youth prospects Ronael Pierre-Gabriel and Arnaud Nordin give hope for a brighter future.

 

Girondins de Bordeaux (33-1)

Bordeaux are another club of decent vintage, with six league triumphs behind them. Famous names associated with the club in the past include Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana and Zinedine Zidane amongst others, but there isn't anything quite like that here anymore. Having lost some of their better players last season, a European challenge looks beyond them. Attacking youngsters Adam Ounas and Malcom proved their ability last year and remain ones to watch, whilst on-loan PSG defender Yousouff Sabaly is a good addition, having impressed on loan at Nantes last season.

 

LOSC (36-1)

Lille have been consistently decent over the years, but had a poor season last time out. This season has been even worse, and Les Dogues are in deep relegation trouble at the time of writing. For a club of their standing that would be surprising and embarrassing, and you wouldn't expect their 50,000 all-seater stadium to be hosting many sell-outs in Ligue 2 if that happened. Despite losing two of their best players (Sidibe and Sofiane Boufal) ahead of the new season, they still have the likes of Sebastien Corchia and (on paper) some decent defenders in their ranks.  It's not working out to well so far, but surely there are three worse teams than this? Despite the disappointments, new midfielder Younousse Sankhare has shown glimpses of quality.

 

Stade Rennais FC (39-1)

Les Rouges at Noirs unearthed the best of many talented newcomers in France last season, but Ousmane Dembele made such an impact that he was soon jetting off to Germany. Whilst his own impressive form continues at Dortmund, what's left in Rennes is a little bit ordinary. The club do boast two excellent goalkeepers in Benoit Costil and on-loan Monaco man Paul Nardi (perhaps some wacky new formation can see you fit both in to the team?), but there will be lots of pressure on winger Paul-Georges Ntep to deliver quality in attack. With no previous Ligue 1 titles, they might still be an attractive project if you wish to undertake a long-term task and create some history, but there are better options.

 

OGC Nice (42-1)

Talking of better options, they might not come any better than Nice. The Cote d’Azur outfit are a cracking club, with a great stadium, and attractively located for neutrals. Four times winners of Ligue 1 in the 1950's, they're an established top flight side – but it’s the future that makes them a really exciting team to manage. Despite the loss of standout performers Hatem Ben Arfa (on a free transfer to PSG) and Nempalys Mendy (Leicester) - plus their excellent manager - during the summer, they’ve added some excellent signings to what they already had. Maverick Italian striker Mario Balotelli was one of the arrivals, and like fellow frontman Alassane Plea, he is in seriously good form. The midfield options are as strong as it gets, with Jean Michel Seri amongst the best in Ligue 1, and the defence has depth and quality. Pay particular attention to attacking full-backs Ricardo Pereira and Dalbert, but the discovery of the season so far is arguably teenage defender Malang Sarr. Their excellent campaign last year saw them clinch Europa League football for this season, but your only worry here should be whether you will be playing European football on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or Thursdays next year. Having done so myself in the last two versions of FM, I can really recommend this as a nice club to manage.

 

Stade Malherbe Caen (55-1)

Caen had a decent run last year, but the loss of striker Andy Delort to Mexico was a blow to a modest but hard-working squad. So, can they repeat those results this time around? Luckily, their most impressive performer so far in the new season is the one tasked with replacing those missing goals, with Croatian striker Ivan Santini doing a decent job on that front after arriving from Standard Liege in Belgium. They’re not likely to rise higher than mid-table, but keep an eye on the lively teenage attacker Yann Karamoh, who looks to have a bright future. If Santini’s goals dry up, don’t be afraid to hand young striker Pape Sane a chance either – he grabbed plenty of goals at a lower level before being signed by his new club.

 

Montpellier HSC (60-1)

The last team to win the title before the PSG dominance started, but the 2011/2012 league win is the only one in their history and it doesn’t seem likely that number will increase anytime soon. Ryad Boudebouz remains one of the most dangerous players in the top flight, central midfielder Ellyes Skhiri is coming along well, and forward Steve Mounie is a decent option in attack - but the outstanding player at this club in my opinion is Casimir Ninga. The striker burst on to the scene at the start of last season, often operating on the left flank and cutting inside on his stronger right foot. That form tailed off though, and it was only at the start of this season where he returned to his best. Unfortunately, after a series of explosive displays (with goals) he then suffered serious injury which will see him miss the rest of this season – but luckily for any Montpellier managers here, he’s fully fit for you in FM17. This is either a massive bonus for you, or delivers a perfect transfer target for every other manager in the league.

 

Toulouse FC (150-1)

After an unlikely but impressive escape from relegation at the end of last season, TFC fans would be expecting much more this time around. Despite losing regular top scorer Wissam Ben Yedder in the summer, there is a decent pool of players here. With some astute additions, you may not be far away from making a challenge for European football, and even have the potential to claim the club's first ever Ligue 1 title. Impressive members of your squad include teenage goalkeeper Alban Lafont (the regular custodian since last year), whilst central defender Issa Diop is another teenager being touted as a player with good potential. I particularly like the attacking full-back options, with Somalia and Issiaga Sylla capable of playing there or in wide midfield roles. The versatile Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro and fellow midfielder Yann Bodiger should also be much more valuable than they appear at first glance. If there is a weakness, it may be in attack (maybe not everybody will agree with my view on that), but don't be shy about using PSG loanee Odsonne Edouard as he has a good goal record at French youth level and might surprise you. In my opinion, this is a really good suggestion if you fancy making your own history. What have you got to lose?

 

En Avant de Guingamp (200-1)

Sorry to any Guingampians, but for the second season running, I can't find too much excitement from this club. The team from the North West are over 100 years old now, and I don't think it would be a surprise if they still haven't claimed their first ever top flight title in another 100 years. Their latest stint in Ligue 1 started in 2012/2013, and they should have enough about them to survive again. The most likely players to shine would be teenage winger Marcus Coco and fellow flank-man Yannis Salibur, but new Swedish goalkeeper Karl-Johan Johnsson will also need to be on form after arriving from Randers in Denmark.

 

FC Lorient (250-1)

The club with the colourful orange kit have been back in Ligue 1 for 10 seasons now, and again should be capable of retaining their status. There isn't any chance of making any greater impression than that though, and the form of defender Zargo Toure (alongside veteran Michael Ciani on his return to the club where he began to establish himself some years back) could be crucial if they are to reach their target. Benjamin Moukandjo and Majeed Waris will again take responsibility for scoring the goals that they need.

 

SC Bastia (300-1)

Le SCB are the only representatives from the glorious island of Corsica in Ligue 1 this year, but after four consecutive mid-table finishes since returning to the top tier in 2012, they should be resident here again this time next year. This could be a contender for anybody that fancies a specific type of challenge - perhaps a long-term mission to make a team from Corsica champions of France, or turn them in to a European powerhouse? For now, the most valuable club asset is forward Thievy Bifouma (who played a handful of games on loan at West Bromwich Albion in 2013/2014). This probably demonstrates the size of the task ahead, although loanees Allan Saint-Maximin and Lenny Nangis do bring some short-term qualities to your attack. Mathieu Peybernes is the pick of your defenders, and has been reliable over the last few years.

 

Angers SCO (400-1)

Angers returned to Ligue 1 last year after more than 20 years away, and were immediately expected to struggle. In actual fact they hit the ground running and even though their early form dipped slightly, they finished a credible 9th. Achieving that after losing the man that fired them to the top flight (Jonathan Kodjia, who moved to Bristol City and then to Aston Villa) made it an even bigger achievement in my book, but riding on the wave of that early momentum, they didn't look back in anger. Their success was built on classic defensive and counter-attacking play, with expert conversion rates from set-piece situations. They've lost a few good players from that group, but central defender Romain Thomas is still there, as is powerhouse central midfielder Cheikh Ndoye. The 30 year old from Senegal is in the Yaya Toure mould, and was one of the best performers in France last season as he excelled in his box-to-box role. Prior to that, he worked his way up the ladder through CFA, National and Ligue 2 clubs, and fully deserved his fine debut season in Ligue 1. Always dangerous in the air at set-pieces, his uncanny knack of scoring goals continued and played a part in his reinstatement to the Senegal squad. Angers ability in identifying and developing lower league players was not limited to Ndoye however, and this summer they have continued that theme with the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Flavien Tait (both nominated as the best at National league level last year), and Ligue 2 striker prospects Karl Toko Ekambi and Famara Diedhiou all recruited.

 

FC Nantes (450-1)

Nantes have, historically, been a decent team in France. They've won eight Ligue 1 titles, the last of which was in season 2000/2001, but they haven't challenged for a few years now. Summer signing Diego Carlos might be the long term replacement for veteran Venezuelan centre-back  Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, and could become an important player for the team. Central midfielders Adrien Thomassen and Valentin Rongier are joined by Danish arrival Nicolaj Thomsen, but there is lots of pressure on the ability of their respected youth system to keep churning out capable players. New Polish striker Mariusz Stepinski will look to help Emiliano Sala in attack, but expectations should be quite low again here.

 

FC Metz (1000-1)

So, we're left with the three teams that the media tip for relegation. As you can see from the club map, perhaps unsurprisingly these are the same three teams that were just promoted from Ligue 2. Metz finished 3rd last year, but have been given the best chance of survival - and I would be inclined to agree with that. This club has produced the likes of Cornet (Lyon) and Diafra Sakho (West Ham) in recent years, so have a decent record at least with strikers. Of the current crop, loan forward Mevlut Erdinc adds some top flight know-how to the team, and he will have young prospect Habib Diallo helping him out after a good goal ratio last season. Time will tell if the central midfield options of Renaud Cohade, Georges Mandjeck and Cheick Doukoure can do the job required, but winger Ismaila Sarr is a hot prospect to keep an eye on.

 

AS Nancy Lorraine (1000-1)

The club that should probably be every boy's dream with it's two female names, but top flight survival is probably an even bigger dream. Young centre-back Clement Lenglet played a prominent role in securing promotion, and will need to keep developing at the higher level if they're to reach their target. Reserve striker Yann Mabella looks like he might have something about him, but he hasn't shown anything in the early stages of his career that can be used as evidence of that. Overall, there does seem to be a lack of quality here and I don't really fancy Nancy to survive.  Steering them clear of the drop would be a very big achievement. 

  

Dijon FCO (1000-1)

Finally we have Dijon, but can they cut the mustard on their return to Ligue 1? I can recall the days when midfielder Marvin Martin burst on to the international scene with France, but since then his career has stalled and he now finds himself on loan with a club like Dijon. Lois Diony looks like a decent attacking weapon in the fight to survive, but is unproven at the top level. Apart from him, the pick of this bunch might be Arnold Bouka-Moutou, who impressed me at Angers last season as an attacking left-back or on the left side of the midfield. Goalkeeper Baptiste Reynet has been reliable for the club in the second tier, but will be a busier man now and will need to be at his best.

 

 

'Ligue 1 Transfer Budgets'

 

	Name Ligue 1	UEFA Ranking 6th
	Nation   France	Titleholder   Paris Saint-Germain
	Federation   FFF	Relegation to   Ligue 2
	Year Founded 1932	Record Champion   AS Saint-Etienne (10)

 

Name	Budget	Training	Youth	Academy	Expectation
Angers	€ 1M	11	12	10	16
Bastia	€ 0	11	10	8	15
Girondins de Bordeaux	€ 3.5M	15	16	13	6
Stade Malherbe Caen	€ 2.5M	14	13	11	13
Dijon FCO	€ 1M	11	10	6	20
Guingamp	€ 1.5M	12	12	7	11
LOSC Lille	€ 5M	16	18	11	7
FC Lorient	€ 5M	15	14	8	14
FC Metz	€ 0.25M	12	16	11	18
AS Monaco	€ 25M	16	16	14	2
Montpellier Herault SC	€ 5M	12	14	13	12
AS Nancy	€ 1.5M	14	15	8	19
Nantes	€ 6M	14	14	12	17
OGC Nice	€ 2.5M	11	12	12	9
Olympique Lyonnais	€ 3.5	17	18	16	3
Olympique Marseille	€ 10M	16	15	10	4
Paris Saint-Germain	€ 60M	16	16	13	1
Stade Rennais	€ 5M	16	15	15	8
Saint-Etienne	€ 1M	16	15	11	5
Toulouse	€ 1.5M	15	14	12	10

---

 

 

 

 

[Jogo Bonito]

LIGUE 2

 

Guide to the clubs (media prediction order with title odds)

Stade de Reims (13-4)

Relegated last season, Reims are media favourites to return at the first time of asking. This is a club that has won Ligue 1 six times in their history - but none of them have come in the last 50 years. You can probably forget about that happening in the next 50 years too, but at their best they have much greater quality than their Ligue 2 rivals. Striking options like Gaetan Charbonnier, Ibrahima Balde, Grejohn Kyei and Jordan Siebatcheu really put you on a different level to the rest, but the squad is blessed with capable players in every position. With expectation comes pressure to deliver, but only a bad attitude, complacency, or a manager out of his depth will stop them winning the title at a canter.

GFC Ajaccio (9-2)

Another team relegated from the top flight last season, Gazelec are back in the same league as their slightly bigger city rivals Athletic Club. The Corsican side knew their battle to survive in Ligue 1 would be tough, but they’re still well fancied to make a swift return. The form of Mohamed Larbi will probably be key to that after a decent year in better company, but your most valuable asset only has one year left on his contract. Your first big decision would be whether to renew it or sell him on, but either way that needs to be one of your first tasks.

Racing Club de Lens (36-1)

Ligue 1 winners in 1998, Lens are certainly one of the bigger clubs in this division. Spanish striker Cristian (once on the books of Real Madrid and Valencia), Teddy Chevalier and Englishman John Bostock will all need to be in good form if promotion is to be achieved. Jean-Philippe Gbamin’s transfer to German side Mainz is a major obstacle to overcome though.

 

ESTAC Troyes (40-1)

The final club relegated from Ligue 1 last season, and they were cut well adrift. Formed only 30 years ago, they live a yo-yo existence, regularly being promoted to the top flight – but hardly ever staying there. The loss of central defender Matthieu Saunier to Granada won’t help their cause, but Johan Martial (brother of Manchester United forward Anthony) remains at the club. Striker Adama Niane is the one to pin your hopes on, especially as Henri Bienvenu hasn’t had a decent season for quite a few years now.

 

Havre Athletic Club (45-1)

Le Havre is a club with decent facilities and now (since 2012), they're also the proud owners of the fantastically well-designed 'Stade Oceane'.  Just looking at the modern 25,278 all-seater venue should make you want to manage here, but they're also a club that I would like to see make a challenge for footballing reasons. On the pitch, experienced striker Mathieu Duhamel looks to be declining, but long-serving Alexandre Bonnet still has some magic in his boots. You can also call upon midfielder Jean-Pascal Fontaine, who should gel nicely with Thomas Ayasse in the middle of the park. In the past, this club has produced some top notch prospects through their Academy too. OK, they don't have the new Pogba or Payet waiting in the wings just yet, but they do still have some promising younger players within their ranks. In my opinion, this is a very good choice for anybody interested in a job with a Ligue 2 side.

 

Stade Brestois 29 (50-1)

Brest can boast Franck Ribery, David Ginola and Paul Le Guen amongst their former players, but will need to rely on a more modest bunch ahead of this campaign. Former Watford midfielder Cristian Battocchio is one that needs to make a big contribution, whilst loan striker Neal  Maupay (Saint-Etienne) and on-loan defender Alexandre Coeff (Udinese) are really useful additions at this level.

 

FC Sochaux-Montbe (55-1)

Sochaux is a name that for many years was associated with the French top flight, and they even won it twice in 1935 and 1938. Recent financial problems (including the loss of long-term sponsors Peugeot) haven’t helped them recover from relegation in 2014, but it would be nice to see them back. Centre-back Jerome Onguene and goalkeeper Maxence Prevot are a couple of teenagers that can help them achieve it in the very near future.

 

Valenciennes FC (60-1)

Valenciennes have also had some recent time in the top flight, but nothing as sustained as some of their rivals here. They look to be strong in defence with the likes of Loic Nestor, Loris Nery and on-loan Marseille player Baptiste Aloe remaining at the club. Striker Nuno Da Costa should continue to deliver goals too, and is probably your main man.

 

AJ Auxerre (65-1)

The 1996 Ligue 1 winners had a reputation for developing great youth products, and were a very decent top flight side from 1980 to 2012. Laurent Blanc, Eric Cantona and Basile Boli are amongst their listed legends, but there isn't anybody of that pedigree here right now. French Under 21 goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and central defender Stephane Sparagna (on loan from Marseille) will need to keep it tight at the back, and forward Gaetan Courtet will be under pressure to deliver the bulk of the goals.

 

Red Star FC (70-1)

This Paris-based side (formed in 1897) are currently the second-highest ranked side from the capital. Former French international and club icon Steve Marlet remains in place as the Director of Football, and despite only having 100 season ticket holders, I think they have some good talent in their squad. On-loan Monaco man Jonathan Mexique and Florian Makhedjouf could be a good central midfield partnership, whilst winger Hameur Bouazza is still performing quite well in the twilight of his career.

 

Tours FC (75-1)

Tours are predicted to finish mid-table, and that's where I would expect to see them end up too. They’ve never been able to replace former hotshot Andy Delort who fired 24 goals for the club in 2013/2014, and the best biggest influence is likely to come from central midfielder Haris Belkebla. The Algerian has enjoyed a couple of solid seasons here, and that form should continue.

 

Nimes Olympique (150-1)

Runners-up in Ligue 1 four times (the last being 1972), but it’s nearly 25 years since they enjoyed any time in the top flight. They overcame an eight-point penalty last season to claim a respectable 14^th place finish, and I think they can improve on that this time around. They’ve lost a decent goalkeeper in Mathieu Michel (Angers), although striker Slimane Sissoko has come in the other direction. Rachid Alioui and Christian Kouakou (on loan from Caen) provide other useful options in attack, but winger Karim Ait Fana is long overdue a productive season.

 

AC Ajaccio (200-1)

Paired with their Corsican neighbours Gazelec again this term, they’ll be looking to take bragging rights in Ajaccio once more. Greater success than that doesn’t seem to be on the horizon, but on-loan Monaco striker Ilyes Chaibi might have to something to say about that, and it looks likely he will soon be too big for this island. Riffi Mandanda, brother of fellow goalkeepers Steve, Parfait and Over, provides an interesting presence between the sticks.

 

Stade Lavallois MFC (250-1)

Les Tango don’t appear to be ready to mount a promotion challenge, but can call upon Saint-Etienne loanee Dylan Saint-Louis to help their cause. I’m not entirely convinced that the scoring returns of striker Clarck N’Sikulu warrant a £1.4million price tag, but Chris Malonga might provide enough ammunition from the left-flank to help him prove me wrong.

 

RC Strasbourg Alsace (300-1)

One of French football’s fallen giants, this is a club with some history – even if it was when known as plain old RC Strasbourg. After being Ligue 1 regulars until relegation in 2008, they exited the wrong way from Ligue 2 in 2010, and got demoted from National league level at the end of 2011. A fresh start at CFA-2 level saw them promoted at the first attempt in 2012, and they repeated the trick in their CFA campaign in 2013. They finally made it out of the third tier (National) last year as champions, and will now be looking to build on that momentum. The current squad now includes midfielder Vincent Nogueira (who served Sochaux in Ligue 1 before a few years with MLS club Philadelphia), after his summer return to France. Centre-back Ernest Seka has been solid whilst they were at the lower level, but Lille’s on-loan forward Baptiste Guillaume still has some convincing to do after his owners paid £2.9million for him last year.

 

Clermont Foot (450-1)

The loss of on-loan striker Famara Diedhiou won’t help this club’s ambitions, but Cedric Avinel remains a regular at the heart of the defence, and Baptiste Martin alongside him has top flight experience in Belgium. Winger Alexis Busin (on loan from Nancy) looks very good for this level of football, although fellow flanker Thomas Guerbert is the highest valued member of the squad. Corinne Diacre is the current manager here, if you fancy following in a woman’s footsteps.

 

Chamois Niortais FC (550-1)

The team from Niort are due to move in to a new 12,000 capacity stadium in July 2018. Where they will be at that point is anyone’s guess, but this ranking seems to be a little bit unflattering in my opinion. Admittedly, they don’t have anything special in their history, but it’s the present and the future that matter most, right? A quick glance through the squad also shows no signs of million pound talents, but there’s more beneath the surface that makes this an attractive management project. Apart from the potential draw of the new Pole Sport Stadium, affiliate links to Lorient and Saint Etienne remain in place, giving you the potential to tap in to young talent from two Ligue 1 residents. Your own pool of players is now missing the reliable Paul Delecroix in goal (with Lorient demonstrating that such links work both ways), but Benin international Saturnin Allagbe looks to have good shot-stopping abilities. Experienced pair Jeremy Choplin and Mathieu Sans remain present in front of him, the other defensive options appear to be decent, and central midfielder Jimmy Roye is still a reliable performer. In attack, Ande Dona Ndoh has a good scoring record over the years in French lower league football, and Pierre Slidja suggests he can be a dangerous striker too. As far as lower-rated teams go, I think this is an interesting challenge.

 

US Orleans (750-1)

Formed in 1976, they were surprisingly French Cup runners-up in 1980, but that is pretty much where their story ends. Promoted last year, they will now be looking to consolidate their status, but I can’t see too much to be excited about here. Algerian international centre-back Essaid Belkalem, released by Watford in the summer, looks to be by far the best player at the club - but will that be enough?

 

Bourg-en-Bresse 01 (1000-1)

After entering new territory last year, FBBP would have been happy with the mid-table finish they achieved. Whether they can repeat that having lost the goals of on-loan striker Pape Sane remains to be seen, but they’ve signed experienced forward Wilfried Louisy-Daniel on a free transfer and he has a decent record at National league level. Lakhdar Boussaha has also chipped in with a few of his own in his three years at the club, and midfielders Kevin Hoggas and Jason Berthomier seem capable of contributing too. Defensive midfielder Jimmy Nirlo will be important again, whilst goalkeeper Julien Fabri (on loan from Marseille) will probably be getting plenty of action.

 

Amiens SC (1000-1)

Formed in 1901, Amiens biggest achievement so far was in 2001 when they finished French Cup runners-up. Who knows what 2101 will bring, but in the meantime they’ll just be praying that their promotion last year was worth the effort. New signing Quentin Cornette (Montpellier) will be tasked with scoring the goals they need, but fellow frontmen Reda Rabei  and Yannick Mamilonne might surprise a few people. They both had good goals-to-games ratios at lower league clubs ES Wasquehal and AS Poissy last year, but how will they cope after stepping up several levels? Winger Jonathan Tinhan might play a part in how that works out, and central midfielder Guessouma Fofana is another one to keep an eye on.   

 

 

[Jogo Bonito]

NATIONAL

 

Guide to the clubs (media prediction order with title odds)

US Creteil-Lusitanos (3-1)

Relegated last season, they start as media favourites. They probably won't be far way - but don't look anything special.

One to watch: Goalkeeper Yann Kerboriou (28)

Paris FC (13-4)

The capital club with the cool logo were also relegated last term, and a lack of goals sees them struggling to make any impression this year too.

One to watch: Forward Aboubacar Camara (21)

La Berrichonne (5-1)

Chateauroux were strongly fancied for promotion last year after relegation, but finished fifth. They could put that right this season. 

One to watch: Centre-back and captain Yannick M'Bone (23)

USBCO (9-1)

The coastal club from Boulogne had a solitary season in the top flight in 2009/2010. They're leading the way this term, and should go close.

One to watch: Winger Jeremy Grain (21)

USL Dunkerque (14-1)

I'm not sure about the beaches, but you'll be fighting for promotion with this outfit. They've not been in Ligue 2 for 20 years, but is it their time?

One to watch: Striker Malik Tchokounte (27)

FC Chambly-Oise (19-1)

Formed only in 1989, the club haven't been above this level before. Hard to beat, they're doing surprisingly well this season.

One to watch: Midfielder Romain Padovani (26)

Vendee Herbiers Football (24-1)

Les Herbiers look like they will fall short of promotion, but have a handful of decent players including three on the books of Ligue 1 sides.

One to watch: Attacker Adama Sarr (25) 

CS Sedan Ardennes (30-1)

A few good years in Ligue 1 and a 24,000 all-seater stadium suggests a big club for this level - but they're currently propping up the table!

One to watch: Metz loan striker Moustapha Kabore (22)

ASM Belfort (35-1)

A club with little history, and there's not much to suggest that will be changing anytime soon.

One to watch: Striker Alexis Honore (24)

Groupe Sportif Consolat (39-1)

The second club in the passionate city of Marseille. They have no special history themselves, but are gradually improving. A decent minnow option.  

One to watch: Striker Abdoul Diawara (25)

US Avranches (85-1)

Another club who have loaned well from Ligue 1, which is just as well because not many of their own look like players ready for a higher level.

One to watch: Lorient's central midfielder Pierre Lavenant (20)

A.S Beziers (90-1)

Founded in 2007, they've made steady progress in that time. A top-half finish is the very least you should expect here.

One to watch: Winger Nicolas Gavory (21)

Quevilly Rouen Metropole (100-1)

A new club, formed in 2015. Promoted last season with only two losses in 30 matches, and more than capable of making a good impression again.

One to watch: Striker Medhy Guezoui (27)

Lyon-Duchere AS (300-1)

La Duch are based in Lyon, and will be looking to push themselves closer to their top flight rivals. Another interesting option.

One to watch: Centre-back Nicolas Seguin (26)

CA Bastia (350-1)

Corsican minnows who are light years away from the bigger residents of Bastia. Top-half is manageable, but lack of resources won't help.

One to watch: Central midfielder Maguette Diongue (24)

US Concarneau (400-1)

Again we can say that the media don't always get it right. Another club on the ascent and doing well this year. A link with Lorient may also help.

One to watch: On-loan Dijon striker Charly Dutournier (22)

Pau FC (1000-1)

Another club without much history, and I can't see them making any headlines here.

One to watch: Striker Willem Pierre-Charles (22)

SAS Epinal (1000-1)

They're sharing joint-highest odds for a reason, and don't seem to be one of the teams that will be challenging for honours.

One to watch: Metz attacking midfielder Hamzi Sakhi (20)

 

 

[Jogo Bonito]

Ligue 1 Winter Transfers - 2016/2017

Angers SCO (Coach Stéphane MOULIN)

In

• I. CISSOKHO (Genoa CFC, Italy)
• BERIGAUD (Montpellier Hérault SC) (l.)
• J. BAMBA (AS Saint-Etienne) (l.)
• A. BAMBA (Dijon FCO)

Out

• Y. WISSA (Stade Lavallois) (l.)

 

SC Bastia (Coach François CICCOLINI)

In

• ONIANGUE (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, England) (l.)
• L. ROSE (FC Lorient) (l.)
• J. ROMAIN (Gazélec FC Ajaccio) (r.l.)
• N. SAINT RUF (Montpellier Hérault SC)
• A. THEBAUX (Paris FC)

Out

• PEYBERNES (FC Lorient)
• T. BIFOUMA (Osmanlispor, TUR)
• J. CABRAL (Sparta Rotterdam, HOL) (l.)
• J. ROMAIN (Pau FC)
• L. HOURI (Roda JC, Holland / The Netherlands) (l.)
• P. CHARRUAU (Paris FC) (l.)

 

Girondins de Bordeaux (Coach Jocelyn GOURVENNEC)

In

• Y. SANKHARE (LOSC)
• V. JOVANOVIC (FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, Russia) (l.)
• D. MANCINI (Newell's Old Boys, Argentine)

Out

• G. SERTIC (Olympique de Marseille)
• KIESE THELIN (RSC Anderlecht , Belgium) (l.)
• PABLO (SC Corinthians, Brazil) (l.)
• C. YAMBERE (Apoel FC, Cyprus) (l.)

 

SM Caen (Coach Patrice GARANDE)

In

Out

• NKOLOLO (Stade Lavallois) (l.)

 

Dijon FCO (Coach Olivier DALL'OGLIO)

In

• O. HADDADI (Club Africain, TUN)
• C-H. KWON (Suwon Samsung Bluewings, CDS)

Out

• Q. BERNARD (Stade Brestois 29)
• J. GASTIEN (Stade Brestois 29)
• A. BAMBA (Angers SCO)

 

EA Guingamp (Coach Antoine KOMBOUARE)

In

• M. BODMER (OGC Nice) (c.e.)

Out

 

LOSC (Coach Patrick COLLOT)

In

• A. EL GHAZI (AFC Ajax , Holland / The Netherlands)
• GABRIEL (Avaí FC, BRE)
• R. KISHNA (SS Lazio, Italy) (l.)
• J. ALONSO (Cerro Porteño, PAR)
• BAHLOULI (AS Monaco)
• XEKA (SC Braga, Portugal) (l.)

Out

• Y. SANKHARE (Girondins de Bordeaux)
• TALLO (Amiens SC) (l.)
• M. OBBADI (OGC Nice)
• S. SUNZU (FK Arsenal Toula, RUS) (l.)
• R. CIVELLI
• MENDES (Kayserispor, Turkey)
• M. AMALFITANO (Stade Rennais FC) (c.e.)
• L. MOTHIBA (Valenciennes FC) (l.)

 

FC Lorient (Coach Bernard CASONI)

In

• A. WAKASO (Rio Ave FC, Portugal)
• PEYBERNES (SC Bastia)

Out

• F. SELEMANI (Tours FC) (l.)
• L. ROSE (SC Bastia) (l.)

 

Olympique Lyonnais (Coach Bruno GENESIO)

In

• M. DEPAY (Manchester United FC, England)

Out

• C. GRENIER (AS Roma, Italy) (l.)
• KALULU (Stade Rennais FC) (l.)
• KEMEN (Gazélec FC Ajaccio) (l.)

 

Olympique de Marseille (Coach Rudi GARCIA)

In

• D. PAYET (West Ham United FC, England)
• P. EVRA (Juventus FC, Italy)
• M. SANSON (Montpellier Hérault SC)
• G. SERTIC (Girondins de Bordeaux)

Out

• R. ALESSANDRINI (LA Galaxy, USA)
• G. ANDONIAN (FC Veria, GRE) (l.)

 

FC Metz (Coach Philippe HINSCHBERGER)

In

• DIABATE (Osmanlispor, TUR) (l.)
• DIAGNE (SV Werder Bremen, Germany) (l.)

Out

• DIALLO (Stade Brestois 29) (l.)
• J. IKAUNIEKS (AEL Larissa, GRE) (l.)

 

AS Monaco (Coach Leonardo JARDIM)

In

• JORGE (Flamengo, Brazil)
• BAHLOULI (Standard Liège, Belgium) (r.l.)
• E. ECHIEJILE (Standard Liège, Belgium) (r.l.)
• F. ANTONUCCI (AFC Ajax , Holland / The Netherlands)

Out

• A. TRAORE (Rio Ave FC, Portugal) (l.)
• L. TRAORE (Real Sporting Gijon , Spain) (l.)
• P. NARDI (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium) (l.)
• E. ECHIEJILE (Real Sporting Gijon , Spain) (l.)
• M. BENEDDINE (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium) (l.)
• C. JEAN (Toulouse FC) (l.)
• BAHLOULI (LOSC)
• T. CHERIF (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium) (l.)
• NGAKOUTOU (R. Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium) (l.)

 

Montpellier Hérault SC (Coach Jean-Louis GASSET)

In

• I. MBENZA (Standard Liège, Belgium)
• L. POKORNY (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic)
• K. DOLLY (Mamelodi Sundowns, AFS)
• N. MUKIELE (Stade Lavallois)
• IKONE (Paris Saint-Germain) (l.)

Out

• M. SANSON (Olympique de Marseille)
• BERIGAUD (Angers SCO) (l.)
• A. VANDEN BORRE (c.e.)
• N. SAINT RUF (SC Bastia)

 

AS Nancy Lorraine (Coach Pablo CORREA)

In

• A. BUSIN (Clermont Foot) (r.l.)

Out

• C. LENGLET (Sevilla FC, Spain)

 

FC Nantes (Coach Sergio CONCEICAO)

In

• F. PARDO (Rio Ave FC, Portugal) (l.)
• P. NAKOULMA
• S. OLIVEIRA (FC Porto, Portugal) (l.)
• K. SIGTHORSSON (Galatasaray SK, Turkey) (r.l.)

Out

• N. THOMSEN (FC Kobenhavn, DAN)
• F. ARISTEGUIETA (CD Nacional, Portugal) (c.e.)

 

OGC Nice (Coach Lucien FAVRE)

In

• B. SRARFI (Club Africain, TUN)
• M. OBBADI (LOSC)

Out

• BENRAHMA (Gazélec FC Ajaccio) (l.)
• M. HASSEN (Southampton FC, England) (l.)
• M. BODMER (EA Guingamp) (c.e.)
• J. VERCAUTEREN (c.e.)

 

Paris Saint-Germain (Coach Unai EMERY)

In

• J. DRAXLER (VfL Wolfsburg , Germany)
• G. LO CELSO (Rosario Central, Argentine) (r.l.)
• G. GUEDES (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Out

• JESE (UD Las Palmas, ESP) (l.)
• S. SIRIGU (CA Osasuna, Spain) (l.)
• IKONE (Montpellier Hérault SC) (l.)
• H. ONGENDA (PEC Zwolle, HOL)
• R. HABRAN (US Boulogne CO) (l.)

 

Stade Rennais FC (Coach Christian GOURCUFF)

In

• F. MUBELE (Al Ahli SC, QAT)
• R. M’BOLHI
• KALULU (Olympique Lyonnais) (l.)
• M. AMALFITANO (LOSC) (c.e.)

Out

• NTEP (VfL Wolfsburg , Germany)
• K. GROSICKI (Hull City, England)
• HENRIQUE (PAOK FC, Greece)
• ERASMUS (RC Lens) (l.)
• HABIBOU (RC Lens)
• P. NARDI (AS Monaco) (r.l.)
• C. BRÜLS (KAS Eupen, BEL)
• A. RIBELIN (Paris FC) (l.)

 

AS Saint-Etienne (Coach Christophe GALTIER)

In

• JORGINHO (Arouca, POR) (l.)
• A. MOUNIER (Bologne FC 1909, Italy) (l.)

Out

• A. MOUNIER (Atalanta BC, Italy) (l.)
• J. BAMBA (Angers SCO) (l.)

 

Toulouse FC (Coach Pascal DUPRAZ)

In

• A. DELORT (Tigres UANL, MEX)
• LUKEBAKIO
• C. JEAN (AS Monaco) (l.)

Out

• MATHEUS (Coritiba FC, Brazil) (l.)

 

Legend:
l. = loan
r.l. = loan
d.t. = Definitive transfer
c.e. = Contract expired

 

 

Ligue 2 Winter Transfers - 2016/2017

Gazélec FC Ajaccio (Coach Jean-Luc VANNUCHI)

In

• BENRAHMA (OGC Nice) (l.)
• KEMEN (Olympique Lyonnais) (l.)

Out

• J. ROMAIN (SC Bastia) (r.l.)

 

AC Ajaccio (Coach Olivier PANTALONI)

In

Out

• Z. ALLEE (US Concarneau)
• C. VINCENT (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium)

 

Amiens SC (Coach Christophe PELISSIER)

In

• TALLO (LOSC) (l.)

Out

• J. TINHAN (ESTAC Troyes)

 

AJ Auxerre (Coach Cédric DAURY)

In

• YATTARA (Standard Liège, Belgium) (l.)
• B. TOURE (Standard Liège, Belgium) (l.)
• SANE (Bursaspor, Turkey) (l.)
• I. SANGARE (Avranches)

Out

• Y. TOUZGHAR (FC Sochaux-Montbéliard)

 

FBBP 01 (Coach Hervé DELLA MAGGIORE)

In

• Y.MERDJI (Limonest FC)

Out

 

Stade Brestois 29 (Coach Jean-Marc FURLAN)

In

• DIALLO (FC Metz) (l.)
• Q. BERNARD (Dijon FCO)
• J. GASTIEN (Dijon FCO)

Out

• C. DOUMBIA (CA Bastia)
• A. KEITA (US Concarneau)
• E. TIE BI (Châteauroux) (c.e.)

 

Clermont Foot (Coach Corinne DIACRE)

In

• IGLESIAS

Out

• A. BUSIN (AS Nancy Lorraine) (r.l.)
• K. DIOGO (Kerkyra FC, GRE)

 

Stade Lavallois (Coach Marco SIMONE)

In

• C. GLOMBARD (Stade de Reims)
• NKOLOLO (SM Caen) (l.)
• M. DEMBELE (Havre AC) (l.)
• S. PETSHI
• Y. WISSA (Angers SCO) (l.)
• Y. NEYOU (CS Sedan)

Out

• N. MUKIELE (Montpellier Hérault SC)
• C. ZEOULA (US Créteil-Lusitanos) (l.)
• S. KONE (CA Bastia) (l.)
• A. N'DIAYE (Al Taawoun FC, ARA)
• G. ETINOF (Belfort) (l.)

 

Havre AC (Coach Oswald TANCHOT)

In

• E. ASSIFUAH (FC Sion , Switzerland)

Out

• M. DEMBELE (Stade Lavallois) (l.)
• T. TISSOUDALI (SC Cambuur, P-B) (l.)

 

RC Lens (Coach Alain CASANOVA)

In

• T. EPHESTION (AS Béziers)
• D. OPARE (FC Augsburg , Germany) (l.)
• ERASMUS (Stade Rennais FC) (l.)
• HABIBOU (Stade Rennais FC)

Out

• T. CHEVALIER (KV Courtrai, Belgium)
• BANZA (AS Béziers) (l.)
• L. LANDRE (Genoa CFC, Italy)
• KLONARIDIS (Panathinaikos FC, Greece) (l.)
• P. OLSEN (Grasshopper Club Zürich, Switzerland)

 

Nîmes Olympique (Coach Bernard BLAQUART)

In

• M. SOURZAC

Out

 

Chamois Niortais (Coach Denis RENAUD)

In

• A. LEAUTEY (US Boulogne CO)
• A. BATISSE (US Boulogne CO) (r.l.)

Out

• M. BOUARDJA (ES Wasquehal) (l.)
• A. LEAUTEY (US Boulogne CO) (l.)
• F. MAYEMBO (GF38) (l.)

 

US Orléans (Coach Didier OLLE-NICOLLE)

In

Out

• AHOLOU (RC Strasbourg Alsace)
• J. DELCLOS (c.e.)

 

Red Star FC (Coach Claude ROBIN)

In

• R. ZUBAR (New York Red Bulls , The USA)
• J. TOUDIC
• G. DEMEL (Marseille Consolat)
• A. SAUVAGE (Marseille Consolat)

Out

• BOUAZZA (Etoile du Sahel, Tunisia)

 

Stade de Reims (Coach Michel DER ZAKARIAN)

In

• R. METANIRE (KV Courtrai, Belgium)

Out

• SIEBATCHEU (Châteauroux) (l.)
• C. GLOMBARD (Stade Lavallois)
• H. KAMARA (US Créteil-Lusitanos) (l.)
• A. CONTE (Beitar Jerusalem F.C., Israel) (l.)

 

FC Sochaux-Montbéliard (Coach Albert CARTIER)

In

• Y. TOUZGHAR (AJ Auxerre)
• M. LARBI

Out

• ONGUENE (VfB Stuttgart, Germany)
• COLLACO (c.e.)

 

RC Strasbourg Alsace (Coach Thierry LAUREY)

In

• AHOLOU (US Orléans)

Out

• O. POUYE (Quevilly Rouen Métropole) (l.)

 

Tours FC (Coach Fabien MERCADAL)

In

• I. BENNACER (Arsenal FC, England) (l.)
• F. SELEMANI (FC Lorient) (l.)

Out

• D. KONATE (Pau FC) (l.)
• B. MILOSEVIC (c.e.)

 

ESTAC Troyes (Coach Jean-Louis GARCIA)

In

• J. TINHAN (Amiens SC)

Out

• J. KAYE (GF38) (l.)
• D. HÜMMET (c.e.)
• F. GRANDEL (US Boulogne CO) (l.)

 

Valenciennes FC (Coach Faruk HADZIBEGIC)

In

• L. MOTHIBA (LOSC) (l.)

Out

 

Legend:
l. = loan
r.l. = loan
d.t. = Definitive transfer
c.e. = Contract expired

[Saint_Lane]

Boom. Well done Jogo - I was hoping you'd get this going again this year. I have a save going with Toulouse. Will update soon!

[Jogo Bonito]

Great stuff, one of the (many) teams on my radar. A great young keeper, defensive options I like, and not much depth or quality in attack (most of my preferred transfer targets always seem to be forwards, so that suits me perfectly).

[Hoarau]

Ah Jogo, last years thread was a great read. One I couldn't take part in due to other Saves but not this year! this year I have two full on French saves going, one with La Harve and the other takes me back to a place we first started chatting Jogo...

I've been a fan of this club since before thier domination, before the money and before Zlatan. Players like my namesake and Rai made me a fan.. but recently it's been a tough slog to like the club. sure I've wanted them to win and such but I just haven't had much enjoyment from it, it's seemed empty for lack of a better word.

Ive felt the history of the club, League and country has been ignored in the club's recent history, this has seen me ignore starting a save with them in FM for the best part of 4 years. Youth development was ignored and almost disrespected for the recent past.. But, much like Monaco, I sense a change in approach, a realisation if you will, the reset button seems to have been pressed and the club has the same goal but is going to quest for it with a different arsenal.

Gone is the massive imports(truly thank you FFP), the aged Internationals and forgien journeymen. Instead it's key performers and young hungry talent. The money is still there and I'm sure it will continue to be used but both in real life and by me at the club it will be far more thought out

Of course the club I'm rambling about and have chosen as one of my long term Saves is of course, Paris Saint-Germain 

Vive la Paris

[Saint_Lane]

10 minutes ago, Hoarau said:

I've been a fan of this club since before thier domination, before the money and before Zlatan. Players like my namesake and Rai made me a fan.. but recently it's been a tough slog to like the club. sure I've wanted them to win and such but I just haven't had much enjoyment from it, it's seemed empty for lack of a better word.

One of my favourite FM saves was with PSG, a season or 2 before the takeover when Lyon and Marseillie (Lisandro Lopez!!) were the dominant teams. I can still remember that team with Nene, Sessegnon and an old Ludovic Giuly! A yong M.Sakho too!

[Jogo Bonito]

Welcome back Hoarau! Yes, I remember the old PSG thread. Not my cup of tea any more, but as you already liked them, I can understand the attraction to you. Luckily for you, it's the first club to get a write-up. It might take a while longer for me to get to Le Havre!

[Hoarau]

42 minutes ago, Saint_Lane said:

One of my favourite FM saves was with PSG, a season or 2 before the takeover when Lyon and Marseillie (Lisandro Lopez!!) were the dominant teams. I can still remember that team with Nene, Sessegnon and an old Ludovic Giuly! A yong M.Sakho too!

Ah wee Nene! what a player, they had a promising Menez and one of my favorites who never quite hit the heights I think he could have, Mathieu Bodmer. 

Yeah Jogo I completely understand, I think it'll be a save I keep to try and win he champions league with a structured squad, IE all French or the like.

La Harve is the other end of the spectrum, that's a pure youth development venture. Can't wait to read the thread and contribute. 

[nico_france]

One more time great thread Jogo !

It seems really promising!

A lot of interesting teams and challenges  to deal with this year in France,

I will follow it with great interest

I started a save with Nancy as well in addition to my OM save, it's a completely différent challenge than Marseille  but Nancy has a nice bunch of youngsters to develop so might be another longterm save

Will try to post few updates when I have time

Very pleased to see thread back this year as well Jogo !!!

And I really hope that french leagues will have success this year,

Keep it up !!

[Jogo Bonito]

Thanks guys, and welcome nico! It's nice to see some early interest, it inspires me to do a proper job on the thread.

[bestbrother]

Do Reims still get a silly budget?

[AndySummers]

Good to see this thread reincarnated.

I followed the previous version with interest, as I was playing as Marseille - although I never posted as I was still playing FM15 and felt an impostor.

I could easily see myself returning to France once I have finished with my South American adventures, and I will be following this thread yet again.

[Jogo Bonito]

Thanks Andy, appreciated and hopefully one day you'll join in.

@bestbrother Last year was a glitch with the remaining wage budget being too high. After relegation, I would expect the budget to be normal, and further reduced for Ligue 2 (but haven't checked myself).

 

[kenek086]

started a save with paris fc =)

[Jogo Bonito]

@kenek086 Good luck in Paris. Nice to see somebody choosing a team from the National League!

[Jean-Luc]

Wonderful! We needed this!

[Jogo Bonito]

Thanks Jean-Luc, I hope it will prove popular. I must be mad doing this again though!

 

 

[Jogo Bonito]

Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 guides are now complete.

[Jean-Luc]

Awesome! So many wonderful choices there!

[nico_france]

Mad work here Jogo !!

I ll try post a review of my Nancy save as I m just done with my first season

And this a really interesting club to be honest, lot of potential and fun on the way

[Jogo Bonito]

Thanks Jean-Luc & nico! I look forward to hearing all about your saves

[Fosse]

I started a save on the beta with Nantes and I finished 3rd in 2019/2020 which I feel is a reasonable achievement, I still didn't manage to win manager of the year though

 

Elie Youan and Thomas Basila are the best youth products I've managed to keep, I've lost plenty of other decent players like Akram Tsague, Nelson De Araujo and a few newgens as well.

[Jogo Bonito]

@Fosse I agree, 3rd with Nantes was a decent effort. Good to hear about your best young players, especially as I'm in the market for a young centre-back on loan. Not that I think Basila will be coming where I am! 

[Fosse]

10 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

@Fosse I agree, 3rd with Nantes was a decent effort. Good to hear about your best young players, especially as I'm in the market for a young centre-back on loan. Not that I think Basila will be coming where I am! 

Nantes were the first club I ever won a title with on any football manger (I did it on FM14 or FM15) so they're forever in my heart now haha.

 

Do you know if there's a way to look at a table of wage budgets to compare the sides in the league?

[Jogo Bonito]

It's funny you should ask that, as I am just trying to add a link in to the Ligue 1 guide. Stay tuned...

Sorry, there were too many errors in the figures of the video I found. It's a shame, but I have removed it. I know it is possible to get from the editor, but I don't know how to do it.

 

[beechy85]

Just read this thread and it has definitely had a lot of work put into it! Some quality write ups @Jogo Bonito! 

I have struggled to get into a save on the past 2 versions of Fm and I am the same this season, I will be trying a save in Argentina at some point on this years edition but until more South American leagues are made. I might go back to OGC Nice as I started a save with them a bit ago the squad is strong with a few million to play with for transfers. I have a couple of tactics I would like to try out with them too. Is anyone Nice at the minute? How is Balotelli doing for you?

[Jean-Luc]

OGC Nice is high on my list, and I set up a save, but haven't gone past the first day, and I am stuck in other saves at the moment.

Such a wonderful mixture of talent, names and interesting players.

[Jogo Bonito]

@beechy85 Thanks for the kind words, appreciated. I've managed OGC Nice in the last two versions and it's high on my list for FM17 too. Like Jean-Luc, I have a game set up with them and ready to go, but can't tell you about Super Mario yet. I guess it could go either way, but it really is one of the best clubs you could wish to manage.

My top tips would probably be OGC Nice & Toulouse FC in Ligue 1, and Havre Athletic Club and Chamois Niortais FC in Ligue 2, but there are so many worthy contenders. I'll get my very brief review of the third tier added in the near future. 

 

[nico_france]

So let's start with the mighty AS Nancy Lorraine

I must admit, Jogo was quite right in his opening post, if the bookies are considering that we will struggle for survival there is definitely a reason...

But you also have some nice hopes in the existing squad, just need to find the better way, and most of all not fail in your experiments in tactics as you won't have time and most of all quality to drop too many points...

 

SQUAD OVERVIEW

As stated in Jogo's opening post, you don't have 11 top players for sure in Nancy, but here are below the ones you can definitely rely on:

LENGLET: Young and promising left footed CB with good passing abilities, club captain in the future and one of your most valuable asset

MARCHETTI: Young and versatile central midfielder with a lot of potential, but still ready for first team football, which is really interesting for a team like Nancy where you don't have tons of money to spend on transfers

BENNASSER: Another great central midfielder, raised by Nancy academy, bought and loaned back from Monaco, he will make a nice solid pairing with the lad above, affordable, even if you don't have any buy out clause agreed, by a team like Nancy if you're convinced

KOURA: A young and pacey poacher, he's the youngest 1st team striker, the other ones are already on their 30's and most of all they're not good enough

MAOUASSA: One of the hottest prospect in the club, only 18 y/o, could be a terrific left attacking FB, to use asap !

And for the rest...

Your 2 GK's are nowhere near Ligue 1 standard for me, but you have to stick with it,

You have a CB on loan from Uruguay which is not bad, and some "interesting" fullbacks as well

Ageing midfielder like PEDRETTI to provide depth and some random players which are really so so

You have a good old advanced playmayer HADJI who is going to be helpful to rotate the starters, can be used upfront as well

If you like to play with great wingers, then may be Nancy is not your club, special award goes to ISSIAR DIA, a league one player at most...

Worth mentionning that you are given less than 2M€ to try to survive

As a result, be smart on the transfer market and think about using your strenghts at best !

 

SET UP

This set up was obvious for me as i wanted to get the best of my hardworking CM pairing, and to be solid at the back was a real concern as well

 

TRANSFERS

With the few money available, and the deep lack of quality, each move is almost a risk, so be really careful !

 

UPAMECANO: One of the hottest prospect at CB spot in France, available for "peanuts" for every side, but not a team like Nancy, will be kept for years

AMARAL: Discovered by my scouting network, he's one of the reason i wanted to use that set up, great bargain for that money, very elegant #10 or F9, once his physical attributes are sorted out he might be a top player

FUCHS: Another great prospect from Sochaux academy, versatile midfielder who can play on the flanks on your defence aswell, might be retrained as an attacking RFB

YAO: Hot prospect from Inter academy, solid CB on the cheap, a starter

ONGENDA: Absolute quality for that money (PSG asks 0 wage) and great player....you will understand why after

BOSETTI: Brought in January on loan from Nice to provide cover for KOURA out for international duties in Africa

TRAORE: Back up CM on a free, as i needed cover during the winter

MAUPAY: Biggest signing from St Etienne, young french striker, value for money for years to come, signed in January

 

 

Competitions

Ligue 1

Not bad for a team that should have disappeared from Ligue 1 Jogo

Some cracking results, like an away win in Marseille 3-1, a draw against PSG away 0-0 and most of all a terrific pairing upfront

OGENDA banged 25 goals in Ligue 1 with 8 assists, this little piece of **** was running out of contract and choosed Olympiakos...

No need to talk about my great performances in Cups, knocked out from both on the first leg

A really interesting save, completely different from my Marseille one obviously, but it's challenging, and can achieve some good things with Nancy this year

 

Objectives for the next season are:

Shift all the deadwood

Bring a true GK!!

Reinforce the fullbacks spots, SC and CB spot

 

 

 

 

 

[Mr_Demus]

Thinking of starting in France. Torn between a number of teams - mainly Rennes, Nantes, Toulouse, Red Star and Havre

[AlienIR]

Great opening threads @Jogo Bonito, congrats and thank you!

LOSC is likely to be under take-over so one of the challenge is to be able to survive it.  Of course any potential db issues you might encounter would be welcome to be reported as it also helps improving your experience and fun. Seen a comment about Reims budget, last year issue has been fixed, it might need still some fine tuning though but it's not as silly as last year for sure.

Impatient to read what you would have to say about French National.

Enjoy your games in France!

[Jogo Bonito]

Fantastic stuff nico! Very good to see such a fine season with Nancy! You should indeed be very pleased with that effort, thanks for sharing. I'm amazed that OGC Nice finished so low by the way. I like challenges that are a bit hard, like that one of yours. After such an excellent start, I wish you good luck for the second season. Just to balance the praise, I see you didn't even finish above Bastia

@Mr_Demus: Welcome and I do hope you join in. It's hard to advise which team, each has their own pros and cons and level of difficulty - but good luck and please let us know how you get on.

@AlienIR: Thanks for your kind words, very much appreciated. I used to be fond of Lille back in the days of Kader Keita, Bodmer and (I'm ashamed to say this) Odemwingie! Luckily my tastes have changed over the years so I don't have any special affection for them these days. The nearest I am to being a fan of any specific French club in recent years is ASSE, but that is quite depressing too, so I prefer to be neutral and let the quality of the play attract my attention (e.g. OGC Nice). Back to Lille, surviving a takeover does definitely need a bit of luck, so it will be interesting to see how that works out for people. It would be truly fantastic if you were managing in France yourself and would update your own progress. I hope you may agree? Please don't expect too much from my French National preview, my knowledge of those clubs is much more limited, and it will just be a basic review offering a flavour of what might be available at that level. If there are any real life prospects or star players at any of the three playable levels in France that you (as head researcher) think are worthy of naming, I would be happy to hear your suggestions.

 

[Saint_Lane]

 

5 hours ago, nico_france said:

Not bad for a team that should have disappeared from Ligue 1 Jogo

What a season! Not many could pull of an 8th place spot first season with Nancy.  I watched them loose 6-0 to Monaco (RL) a few weeks back so kudos lol! 

How did you land Upamecano for 1.5m - It's a steal! 

 

[nico_france]

22 minutes ago, Saint_Lane said:

 

What a season! Not many could pull of an 8th place spot first season with Nancy.  I watched them loose 6-0 to Monaco (RL) a few weeks back so kudos lol! 

How did you land Upamecano for 1.5m - It's a steal! 

 

Upamecano is still very cheap at the beginning of the game, same goes for Onguene and Sarr (the most expensive) for example

Actually 7th not 8th 

As you can see I made tons of draws, and also grabbed lucky wins tbh, I also had a tough start with like 4 or 5 draws in a row, the tactic and the lack of good backroom staff is always an issue for "little teams"

But I always have great success with average team playing in this kind of set up with 3 at the back, I just needed more warm up with Nancy,

Enjoyable save indeed!

Irl they re really far away I agree, if only they know how to score any goal, they need to bring Ogenda in 

On the other hand Monaco is trashing everybody on his way, best attacking records worldwide Irl so 6-0 seems almost legit 

[Hoarau]

 

I'm fully prepared to be ignored in all my posts in here due to me managing the "enemy" but i'll plod on anywho.

 Only played the 1 preseason friendly, as expected the squad is laden with talent and the resources are quite frankly sickening but there's still work to do. The side has everything it needs of course yet I feel the hole Zlatan has left needs filling. Cavani has interest from two sides and in all honesty I may just accept the first reasonable bid. As far as a replacement  goes my number one target is Lacazette from Lyon, he's of course going to be pricey but it's a long term investment.

 

I'm going to be using a lot of the PSG youth, Rabiot, Augustin, Kimpembe, Habran, Ongenda & Areola will all be used more than they and the fans expect. I'll be taking a closer look at the players in the reserves and youth squads, keep track of development. Will evaluate the coaching staff and bring in youth specific coaches. Something i'd like to try is to bring in some former players into my coaching staff, or at least some French internationals.

Recruitment wise I'm going to go back to the PSG formula before the money rolled in, lesser known South American talents, Ligue 1 players and former PSG players. For that reason i'm considering bringing Mamadou Sakho back to the club.  Once I get preseason out the way i'll hopefully have a better update to share,

[Jogo Bonito]

I like your ideas for PSG, and don't feel you're not welcome. Good luck with it 

When I was at Nice in FM16, I actually signed four or five of the PSG youngsters so will be taking an interest in that part particularly. It's a shame you have lost the exciting youngster Yakou Meite to a better club in the summer though

[Saint_Lane]

Angers SCO Season [1] Preview 2016/17

 

I'm taking the helm of Angers for my Ligue 1 adventure. Big fan of theirs after their fantastic debut season back in Ligue 1 after 20 odd years. They defied so many expectations after a fantastic start to the season last year finishing just in the top half. 

The infrastructure is a little weak, and the depth of talent around the first team certainly needs work. With little to no room for manoeuvre in the first transfer budget the first season is going to be a big challenge. With key players such as the man mountain Cheikh Ndoye i am confident i can deliver safety and push for another mid-table finish.

I've rearranged the backroom staff as best as possible to bring in a goalkeeping coach and fitness coach. But with a limit of just 4 coaches, the workload is stretched. 

 

Transfers In:

Kalilou Traore - Free

Lukman Haruma - Free

Transfers Out: 

None.

 

I am settling on a fluid 4-4-2 system. I am keen to keep things tight and use the strong physical presence in the team to grind the opposition down. Discipline and organisation will be key i think. I am worried about the lack of technical ability in the team and i think we could struggle to break teams down. To counter this I want to play a tad more direct, using crosses and direct football to force mistakes and rush the opposition - I want to unsettle and not allow them to settle into a rhythm. Alot, i feel will hinge on Ndoye staying fit in the middle of that midfield. He is a beast and a real physical presence.  

 

 

Pre season went well but performances were inconsistent,  to be expected with rotation of players. My FM habit since the beginning of time is to use pre-season to set up my defensive shape and make sure my defensive line is coherent.  The results were nice but against weak opposition, and i am worried about the cover the 2 MCs are providing for my CBs - On the counter we will be vulnerable. Something for me to work on.

Anyone else also arrange that last preseason friendly just so they can just batter a team 9-0 ad get morale up!?

Onwards to Montpellier for the season opener! 

[Jogo Bonito]

Lovely stuff Saint_Lane. I'm possibly the biggest fan of Cheikh Ndoye you could find, so will be watching with great interest. I think your tactical ideas are spot on, that's how Angers are likely to be at their best - tight at the back, strong in the midfield, and forcing mistakes in attack. Look after Ndoye well

[Saint_Lane]

18 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

Lovely stuff Saint_Lane. I'm possibly the biggest fan of Cheikh Ndoye you could find, so will be watching with great interest. I think your tactical ideas are spot on, that's how Angers are likely to be at their best - tight at the back, strong in the midfield, and forcing mistakes in attack. Look after Ndoye well

Ah I love him too! I have him and Rabiot in my Ligue 1 fantasy team. And all ways have those 2 as my CMs on my FIFA Ultimate team lol. 

[Jogo Bonito]

It's such a shame he is already 30, if he was five years younger he would have been a star. I signed him for OM in FM16 and will probably do the same at whichever Ligue 1 clubs I go to. Unfortunately at Chamois Niortais we had no transfer kitty and were well over the wage budget when I arrived. I can't bring in free transfers or loans at the moment, so Ndoye's arrival isn't on the cards just yet

[Mr_Demus]

@Jogo Bonito cheers. I went with Toulouse. They have some pretty-ish colours and my fellow countryman Martin Braithwaite. Only in pre season, but finding it hard to find the players needed to strengthen the team due to some pretty tight finances transfers and wage wise

[Jogo Bonito]

Toulouse is a good pick. I would suggest the best approach is to identify the positions you want to strengthen the most, and just look for players to improve those areas. There are so many cheap and loan options available in France, and they don't need a total overhaul in my opinion. If that doesn't go well, my biggest tip is to stay patient, wait until you are asked to confirm your competition bonus, then set it to low. This always brings decent transfer funds (even at Chamois Niortais it went from £0 transfer kitty and being over on the wage budget, to £600k being made available for signings). Best of luck.

[Jogo Bonito]

Ok, the National league preview is complete. If anybody spots any errors on that one (particularly Alien) please let me know and I will take those suggestions on board. Good luck and enjoy your time In France.

[Hoarau]

Ignore my last post in here, PSG are just tarnished for me. There's no longevity aside from the Champions League and even that with their infrastructure isn't out of reach.

Restart and rethink, got it narrowed down to 3 for the type of save I want.

[Jogo Bonito]

Sorry you couldn't get the right vibe with PSG. Really hope I didn't send you down that path! Hope your new pick is still in France, the threads are always much better with your input.

[Hoarau]

Oh yeah its definitely in still in France, love Ligue 1. Just haven't decided between the 3.

As for PSG, it just doesn't have the feel it used to have before the huge money. Shame.

[Jogo Bonito]

Welcome to the club! Good luck, you're going to need it..,

Expectations are reasonable. Don't be fooled by that transfer budget though, it was zero when I took over and the club was already overspending on their wage budget. I couldn't bring in any free transfers, or pay any loan percentage that clubs asked me for. However, after selecting low bonus options for all competitions, I was able to create this more than decent transfer kitty. The wage bill needs some sorting out though, and I'm trying to sell one or two that I don't like or need. I also noticed we are losing a lot of money, and I've only got to the end of pre-season! I can see why we are getting a new stadium too, we're bound to struggle whilst our place has the awful athletics track atmosphere drainer!

I've been quite pleased with my form so far, especially the opening friendly against Ligue 1 side Rennes. I've signed one player so far, but it was a great deal as my new right-back from affiliate club Saint-Etienne is capable of playing in Ligue 1 despite his tender years. I'm just hoping my two strikers (Slidja and Ndoh) stay fit, they're definitely the strong part of my team. I've also recruited some popular French names from yesteryear to my staff, so that aspect looks much healthier despite having one of my men poached by OGC Nice.

Not every loan bid I made was successful, and you have to love social media...

I'm ready for the Ligue 2 opener against a decent-looking Sochaux outfit now, not the easiest of starts...