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In the portal "EuroFootball.com" - football fan Subo's BLOGs about current football events.
After the EURO 2012 battles and at least for now quite a calm transfer window, the big championships are slowly starting. I start the cycle with Ligue1. The fights there already start from Friday.
1. Lille
A new era begins in Lille - without Hazard, who was the man that allowed the club to demonstrate fantastic results for a couple of seasons. However, this does not mean that Lille will plummet after the next season. Rather the opposite, the main event of this summer should allow them to be an elite French club in the near future. The money received for Hazard allowed them to strengthen not just one position, and the team is well-assembled. Considering the traditional Arab struggles to achieve their goals, Lille can boldly compete with PSG. If young talents grow successfully, the cash box will often be filled. The funds acquired this season allowed to attract Martin, Kalou, Sibide, and a couple more players, whose role in the team will be smaller. Without Hazard and Joe Cole, there are no more serious losses, and if not, Lille can have another good season.
2. PSG
The biggest noise-makers this summer were PSG. Shopping was relatively discreet, and this will be a challenge for Ancelotti. His AC Milan did not waste money like this, and even during the Chelsea period, the team was relatively frugal (excluding Torres). Of course, some of the newcomers were almost essential purchases, but the competition in the team will be very serious. Lavezzi, Silva, Veratti, and Ibra are contenders to lead the team, and last season's heroes - Nene, Pastore, Menezas, and others have clear ambitions.
Famous purchases do not guarantee victories (AFP photo).
None of the important players left the team. It may be that the team will achieve great results this season without any effort and sweep all competitors, but it is more realistic that it will be like what happened to Manchester City and Malaga - victories will have to wait longer. It is quite difficult to assemble a real team after throwing a pile of money into Arabic projects.
3. Lyon
Summer did not bring major changes to the team - two notable losses are Kalstrom and Ederson. On the other hand, they were not vitally important players. On one hand, stagnation is bad - the team did not strengthen enough to achieve what fans were used to - gold. However, the current capabilities should be enough for bronze. Of course, there may be more serious losses - rumors abound about Lloris, Bastos, Cissokho. But if they stay, with Gourcuff, Lovren, Lopez, and others, Lyon could compete for medals. Perhaps even for gold, although it does not seem very plausible.
4. Marseille
Summer was restless - many rumors, few real changes. The coach changed, Baup replaced Deschamps. The coach is not as famous, but experienced and titled. Other rumored transfers have not happened yet - Mandanda, Azpilicueta, Amalfitano, Valbuena, and the Ayew brothers are still OM players for now. If the predicted sales do not happen, OM can achieve decent results.
5. Bordeaux
After a great last season, when Bordeaux played good football and finished in the top five, there were no major changes. A few players left, who may be missed - Sane, Krychowiak. But they were not leaders, so Bordeaux, although essentially without reinforcements, could have another good season. Players worth watching are Obraniak, Gouffran, N’Guemo, and Plasil.
6. Rennes
Summer at Rennes was quite calm. Only a few players left, whom the club would have gladly kept - Mangane and Hadji went to Arabic countries. However, the team did not weaken because Diallo, a candidate to be a leader, and Alessandrini arrived. The team is well-assembled and can achieve good results.
7. Montpellier
After a championship season, Montpellier avoided a serious drain, but lost a leader - Giroud. However, the likelihood that one of the other leaders will leave is not small. The newcomers are solid - Mounier and Congre should significantly strengthen the team. Despite that, it is difficult to expect Montpellier to reach the heights of the previous season. Of course, the team is talented, but success was also a strong factor. Realistically, the assembly of the new season would expect the team to fight for places 4-8.
8. Saint Etienne
The legendary French club can start a new season in good spirits. The team was supplemented by former OL defender Clercas and expensive defender Hamouma, who aims to become one of the leaders. The biggest losses are the departure of Nery. Slightly known in Europe, Sanogo also left, but after a few hopeless seasons, it is not worth considering his loss. The current ASSE composition can compete for places in Europe.
9. Toulouse
The only serious loss for Toulouse is Congre, who moved to Montpellier. One of the most French Ligue1 teams should mainly focus on the fact that the main figures in the defense line - Capoue and Sissoko remain. This allows them to expect good results.
10. Valenciennes
Another team where the summer was calm. No losses, perhaps you can only feel the departure of Cohade. The most important newcomer is a promising defender Nery. The composition is not bad, and the season should end in 10th place.
11. Sochaux
12. Evian
13. Troyes
14. Lorient
15. Nancy
16. Nice
17. Brest
18. Bastia
19. Ajaccio
20. Reims
