Football Season Guide

The past season was a very disappointing one for Ajaccio, who were returning to the Ligue 2 after relegation from the top flight of the French football. They were logically expected to be candidate for promotion and, at least until the end of February, they found themselves in the top 6, just off the playoff zone. Having won just 2 of the final 14 games, though, they finished 15th, just above the bottom 4, thus contenting themselves with a mere salvation. Injuries, that hit all the departments and the attack above all, and disastrous away performances, they only did better than relegated Valenciennes with 2 wins and 12 defeats, were the cause of such a poor campaign. Quite surprisingly, Ajaccio eventually decided to part ways with long-standing coach Olivier Pantaloni, who had been in charge since 2014 in his second stint at the club, and they hired Mathieu Chabert instead. Ajaccio were not particularly active on the transfer market with very few players leaving or arriving. The main departure is certainly represented by starting centre-back Avinel, who at 37 is now well past his sell-by date. Ayessa, who has no Ligue 2 experience, should replace him in the heart of the defence, an area that suffered a lot last season. Being 39, legendary winger Nouri was also let go together with another winger, Bayala, a starter who spent most of the past campaign out injured. Last but not least, they also let go attacking midfielder Sakhi, who left no mark in the 6 months spent at the club. 32-year-old Santelli, who can act both as a striker and a winger, is the sole offensive player they acquired so far as Ajaccio will also hope that Ibayi, who arrived in January, will confirm all the good done in his first 6 months in Corsica. More wingers, though, are needed. Anziani, coming from a positive campaign at Dunkerque, will strengthen the midfield.