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After another season has ended, the column "Fan Thoughts" on EuroFootball.com invites enthusiasts to review the past football year of their supported clubs and share ideas about the near future. For your attention - the first part of the review of the French "Ligue 1" season, written by forum member T-Wolves.
The 10-11 season of "Ligue 1" was extremely interesting. The champion was determined just a few rounds before the end, and the battle for Champions League spots, or who would be relegated to "Ligue 2" - was unclear until the very last round. For the fourth season in a row, a different club has won the highest division in France, showing once again the competitiveness of "Ligue 1."
"Lille"
What a fantastic season for the 'Dogs'!!! They achieved a historic double - the "Ligue 1" title and the Coupe de France trophy. Eden Hazard was named the best player of this "Ligue 1" season, and coach Rudy Garcia was named the best in the coaching category. Throughout the season, "Lille" played consistently well and demonstrated beautiful attacking football. Not in vain were they called the French "Barcelona." The trio - Hazard - Sow - Gervinho - together scored 47 goals and made 23 assists! But no less important were the defensive and midfield lines. Adil Rami, the defensive pillar during the season, became the main center-back for 'Les Bleus,' while the main engine of the "Lille" attacks from deep, Yohan Cabaye, was also constantly called up to the national team.
Unfortunately, we will see a changed "Lille" next season. Adil Rami moved to "Valencia" during the winter transfer window but was loaned back to France until the end of the season. Yohan Cabaye is also expected to move to England, likely to "Newcastle." However, he is likely to be replaced by Benoit Pedretti from "Auxerre." The futures of Gervinho and Hazard are also uncertain. However, there is no need to worry, as the management of LOSC does a fantastic job in the transfer market, and I have no doubt that next season "Lille" will again be among the favorites to win "Ligue 1" and will also be a tough nut to crack in the Champions League.
"Marseille"
OM failed to defend their title and challenge ASSE for the most "Ligue 1" trophies won. Nevertheless, the season can be considered successful, as "Marseille" did not end the season empty-handed - they won the Coupe de la Ligue trophy, and they managed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League, where they were defeated by the future finalist "Manchester United." Loic Remy could be considered the best player. This versatile forward was the top scorer within "Marseille's" ranks. Among the season's discoveries, we must mention Andre Ayew. This son of the legendary OM player Abedi Pele scored 11 goals. Towards the end of the season, the younger brother, Jordan Ayew, also started playing very successfully. Andre-Pierre Gignac's performance may have disappointed a bit, but his goals saved "Marseille" from defeats.
Summer also presents challenges. The club has already lost their best defender of the season, Taye Taiwo. The Argentinian duo - Gabriel Heinze and Lucho Gonzalez - are also likely to leave the team. It is worth mentioning that they are the highest-paid players in the team. However, OM will not falter - they remain one of the financially strongest clubs in the country, and almost every player playing in France aspires to represent them.
