For Grenoble to finish in the top half of the Ligue 2 standings in their first season back at that level means the campaign has to go down as an unqualified success for the Stade des Alpes club.
They came into the league built from solid defensive foundations but lacking offensively, and for the first month of the season it seemed that Philippe Hinschberger’s side might struggle due to a lack of punch. A 4-2 win over Valenciennes in September, however, seemed to fuel the belief that they could be effective as an offensive force and changed the stance of the coach, who became more aggressive thereafter. A strong run of form prior to Christmas saw them climb as high as fourth in the standings.
They started the second half of the campaign slowly, and though they stabilised themselves thanks to home wins over Red Star and Nancy, which ended any threat of relegation, they were never able to put together the type of run to get them back into playoff contention.
No doubt that Florian Sotoca was their key offensive player, finishing the season with a very commendable 11 goals and four assists. Malek Chergui was not far behind in terms of his influence, but he had greater injury problems.
Key in the midfield was Youssouf M’Changama, yet he might well have been outshone by Jessy Benet had he not suffered physically, too. There is a strong foundation in this area of the team that can be built around next term.
The defence also suffered from injury concerns, like the rest of the side especially towards the end of the season. Indeed, each member of the back four and regular goalkeeper Brice Maubleu missed at least 10 matches, save Jerome Mombris, explaining why this sector of the squad was not as strong as might have been expected.
There is set to be a turnover in staff during the summer, with Sotoca definitely going, but the foundation is such that if he can be effectively replaced Grenoble may be in a position to climb higher in the standings.
