Football Season Guide

Last season, Pau came real close to making history as, until mid-April, they were unexpectedly sitting on the 5th rung of the ladder, which would have granted them a place in the promotion playoffs. In fact, they had started their campaign with much lower ambitions but, thanks to a powerful attack, they scored 60 goals overall, only less than Auxerre and Rodez, they had immediately set their foot in the top 10 and would not move from there. They even managed to get through a 2-month crisis between December and February but then they eventually run out of energies and lost the final 4 games, thus dropping to the 10th place. Which was seen as a great result by both the club and coach Nicholas Usai, at his first season in charge. Due to their limited resources and to the reduced amount of cash originated by TV rights which is going to affect all the Ligue 2, Pau now seem to be headed for a more low-profile campaign. The defence, that was often plagued by injuries, undoubtedly was Pau main weakness last season: they conceded 57 goals, more than any other side, bar Concarneau. And, surprisingly enough, Pau will face the new season with an untouched defence. The midfield lost Mouton, who returned to his parent club, while D’Almeida, who also played a relevant role in the season, left for cash. Experienced Bobichon and Mille, who has to prove himself at this level, should replace them in the new campaign. On the other hand, the attack saw many protagonists of the past campaign quitting for pastures new: among them, strikers Sylla and Bassouamina and key attacking midfielder Saivet, the three had provided 35 goals and 14 assists altogether. With Boutaib well in the wrong side of his 30s, Pau have only signed 20-year-old Arconte, who had a positive stint at Rodez, as a new striker, while 20-year-old winger Mboup should replace Boli, who was let go.