Strasbourg flirted dangerously with relegation for much of the season and going into the last game of the campaign were one of a number of teams still under threat from being dragged into the playoffs.
Thierry Laurey’s men had been one of the most disappointing sides in the early weeks of the season, yet they were perhaps the most adversely effected by Covid. A significant cluster appeared in their squad in pre-season, which hampered their preparations and left them very short of fitness going into the campaign. It was little surprise, then, that they were in the relegation zone after 12 matches, having lost nine of their opening 11.
Laurey might have been the subject of much criticism from his own fans but he slowly turned the situation around, though they were never quite able to shake off the threat of the drop until the last kick of the season.
Ludovic Ajorque was clearly their outstanding player as he scored 16 goals in 36 games but also played a key linking role with others, notably Habib Diallo, whose debut season was hampered by niggling injuries.
In the midfield, Adrien Thomasson had a hot-and-cold season, while a lack of goal scorer in that area otherwise meant there was a huge impetus on the forwards to find the net.
Defensively, Strasbourg were troubled by a long-term injury to Mohamed Simakan, who was their best defender, while Kenny Lala’s mid-season departure meant for an awkward transitional period on the right as Frederic Guilbert bedded in. In the heart of the defence, there was a lack of consistency in selection, while outstanding goalkeeper Matz Sels missed much of the season and never reached his peak level.
This was a testing season for Strasbourg, who will see the talented Julien Stephan take over as coach next term.
