Ligue 1 update
How has Ligue1 been handling widespread fan unrest this season?
Although fan unrest has abated to some extent in recent weeks, both Nice and Lyon were deducted points after projectiles struck and floored Dimitri Payet, resulting in both clubs’ games against Marseille being abandoned. The incident at Nice even resulted in a mass brawl between the players, fans and coaches. Nearly half the league’s clubs have been punished for some form of fan violence since.
One of the more shocking incidents involved a major confrontation between Lyon and second-tier Paris FC fans during their French Cup tie back in December. Both sides were eventually removed from the competition while a handful of PSG ultras were also sanctioned for their role in the disturbances at Stade Charlety.
It remains to be seen if bans, points deductions and stadium closures will have an effect. Longer-term, a change in fan culture is needed.
How far can Jorge Sampaoli take Marseille?
As Marseille’s 20th coach this century, Sampaoli’s position has always felt precarious. A vociferous fanbase, who violently stormed the training centre last term, can be more of a hindrance than a help while perpetuating impossibly high expectations. Sampaoli’s constantly evolving and often gung-ho system provides a heightened sense of unpredictability.
However, over a year in, Sampaoli remains afloat. Despite an attacking set-up on paper, Marseille have one of France’s best defences and are a dominant and aggressive proposition at their best, with a rejuvenated Dimitri Payet conducting. Champions League football is likely. Even so, struggling with too many draws, Sampaoli is still barely exceeding expectations and Marseille may be unable to keep up should Nice, Rennes and Lyon break away from the pack next season.
Is there any chance of Kylian Mbappe staying at Paris SaintGermain, and how will the Parisians rebuild their attack without him?
Unlike his club, who are fearful of losing a € 180 million signing close to becoming the best player in the world for free, Kylian Mbappe has remained calm over his rapidly expiring contract, repeatedly stating he’s yet to decide between staying put and moving to Real Madrid to fulfil a childhood dream. His exit had seemed close to certain having asked to leave last summer but PSG’s chances have been revived amid talk of a new short-term deal with the player’s stance seemingly softening.
Nevertheless, it’s still likely PSG start next season without Mbappe
– an embarrassment for the club.
A big statement would need to be
made via his replacement. Robert Lewandowski has supposedly been considered but, with the lack of youth a real concern, reports that Erling Haaland is now the club’s prime target make more sense. However, with competition fierce, convincing Haaland to sign won’t be easy.
Which other Ligue1 talents will be the subject of transfer interest this summer?
Ligue1 has often been the transfer window’s epicentre, and summer 2022 should be no different. Equal parts creator, enforcer and dynamo, Monaco’s 22-year-old France international
Aurelien Tchouameni, Ligue 1’s best midfielder not called Verratti, will be a target for many of Europe’s elite.
Both of the Lille pair, striker Jonathan David and centre-back Sven Botman, plan to leave France at the end of the season but the champions will be looking for a combined fee approaching € 100m. The Premier League and both Milan clubs will lead the chase.
Having enjoyed a specular renaissance in France after struggling at Milan, Lyon reportedly rejected a € 60m offer from an English club for midfielder Lucas Paqueta in January. With PSG supposedly keen too, a bidding war could develop for the 24-year-old
22-year-old France international Aurelien Tchouameni, Ligue 1’s best midfielder not called Verratti, will be a target for many of Europe’s elite
Brazilian international.
Graceful midfielder Houssem Aouar is also expected to leave OL this summer, although finding the right buyer might be as tricky as it proved last year.
With no option to buy in his Marseille loan deal and his contract up in 2024, Arsenal may finally make a decision on centre-back William Saliba’s future. Largely impressive at the Stade Velodrome, there will be a series of high-profile takers should Arsenal decide to sell the 20-year-old.
Who is Ligue1’s most exciting team?
Few French teams have embodied the notion of Champagne football like Bruno Genesio’s Rennes. Currently running their own team goal of the season competition, Rennes’ verve and fluidity make for Ligue1’s leading attraction.
Orchestrator-in-chief, Croatian Lovro Majer – who both plays and looks like Luka Modric – effortlessly drifts around midfield picking teams apart with some deft passing and sharp interplay. Adding similar swagger from midfielder Flavien Tait and versatile forward Martin Terrier, plus the David Beckhamesque deliveries of Benjamin Bourigeaud can make for an elusive, occasionally unplayable, prospect. Lyon were obliterated 4-1 before SaintEtienne and Bordeaux were routed 5-0 and 6-0 respectively.
Versatility is Rennes’ main treat, however. Majer can play as a No.10 or a deep-lying playmaker, strikers Gaetan Laborde and Serhou Guirassy add physicality and goalscoring nous, while teenage wingers Jeremy Doku and Kamaldeen Sulemana add pace, skill and unpredictability. Should they find more consistency, next season might be Rennes’ year – assuming Genesio can keep his squad together.