Having obtained troubled survivals in the previous two campaigns, Sochaux certainly aimed at something different in the new season, with coach Omar Daf still at the helm. They definitely got more, although there is a feeling of under-achievement hanging over them after all.
In fact, it was immediately evident that Sochaux would not be involved in the struggle to avoid relegation, as they started their campaign with an undefeated 7-week run. They did face a slight crisis between weeks 8 and 11, as they lost 3, drawing once, but then another 8-game positive run came, as they kept climbing the table up to the 7th place.
Another 4-game crisis saw them fall to the 10th spot but then they faced the best run of their campaign between weeks 24 and 30, as they won 5 and drew twice, getting back to the 7th standing, where they would not advance from.
In the remaining 7 rounds, Sochaux were expected to push for a play-off finish but they would simply stop winning, if not for a 1-0 success over Caen, ending up losing 4 out of the last 5. And this is the reason for the bitter taste left in their mouths as they could have really gone for much more.
Having lost striker Kitala to a season-ending injury in week 1, Sochaux often struggled for goals, despite being the dominant side, and this resulted in 15 draws and 14 games without scoring.
Weissbeck certainly imposed himself as their key player, as he scored 10 spectacular goals and also served with 4 assists. Lopy and Thioune did well in the middle of the park while wingers like Lasme, Ambri and wunderkind Virginius also impressed all over the season.
A bright future might be expected for Sochaux in the next season if coach Daf can build on the good achieved and solve the problems they faced during the campaign.
