Fifty-seven years since they last tasted championship success, Lille are once again French champions. Not only are they league winners, they are the 16th team to claim the Coupe de France double, beating Paris Saint-Germain in the final last weekend. Having controlled the season since November, a couple of wobbles aside, Rudi Garcia’s men have proved themselves to be thoroughly deserving of their two trophies.
France has now had four different champions in four years – the only major European league that can boast such a statistic – yet, as this season confirmed the end of Lyon’s period of dominance, it may also have ushered in a new era of footballing control in the far North East. Lille, it would seem, are poised to enjoy a prolonged period of success.
In the local media, there is much excitement about LOSC, not only because of the attractive brand of attacking football they play, but because of the efficient way the club has been run, providing a foundation for more prolonged success, not just on the field, but off it too.
Much in the way that Lyon were built gradually into becoming the superpower of the French game during the first decade of the new millennium, Lille have been steadily edging towards this moment for many years.
Runners-up in 2005, the champions have only finished outside of the top 10 once since ascending to the top flight in 2000.
Positive results on the field have been matched by an equally strong showing in the club’s finances. In an age when it is commonplace for the best teams to be pouring money away, Lille have recorded over €10 million by way of profit over the course of the five seasons preceding the current one.
Additionally, there is great excitement about the club’s new stadium – the Grand Stade Lille Metropole – which is set for completion in 2012 and will allow 50,000 fans to watch the team, allowing associated financial benefits, which could potentially include the final of one of the Uefa sanctioned club competitions, to be reaped.
Stable financially, the Nord outfit are under no obligations to sell their top players, and for the most part there appears to be a desire for their star men to stay where they are, despite Adil Rami already leaving for Valencia, while Gervinho, arguably their most influential player this season, is likely to exit too, albeit for a substantial fee.
On the other hand, prodigious attacker Eden Hazard recently penned a new contract, and despite massive speculation in the press, has indicated his willingness to stay in France for at least another season.
Squad strengthening by LOSC has typically been done in a canny manner, buying up young players of potential. The signs are that a similar tact will be taken this summer. While Ludovic Obraniak is ready to fill the boots of Gervinho, Sochaux’s Marvin Martin, Ligue 1’s leading assist maker, is being closely watched, and some kind of deal for Raphael Varane, a monstrous 18-year-old locally-born defender, is also being touted, even if it is only a loan.
Essentially, the double winners will continue with the bottom up approach that has already got them so far.
Perhaps the biggest challenge could be maintaining the services of Rudi Garcia. Word has quickly spread regarding the ability of his squad, and the manner in which they conduct themselves. Reports in France suggest that Italian giants Roma have an eye on the 47-year-old, who has overseen a great change in the team’s playing style since the days of Claude Puel, making them both pleasing to the eye and capable of enjoying success.
With Lyon in disarray and Marseille still looking for the correct mix in their playing staff, Lille are well poised to take a stranglehold on the French game for the immediate future.
There were many glaring shortcomings of the French national team under the stewardship of Raymond Domenech, but perhaps the greatest problem that his side suffered from in the latter stages of his reign was a complete incompetence at the back. Less than 12 months after the exit of the controversial coach, les Bleus now have a rearguard to be proud of.
It should perhaps come as little surprise that Laurent Blanc – a centre-back of worldwide renown in his playing days – has managed to stiffen up the defence to a remarkable degree during his short tenure in charge. ‘Le President’ has led his side into battle on nine occasions, and only four times have France conceded.
Having gone from a calamitous unit in the previous regime, les Bleus are now en route to re-establishing their rearguard as a combination comparable with the best in Europe, with only one goal lost in their last seven matches – and that a late consolation against England in a memorable 2-1 friendly victory at Wembley.
From the outset, Blanc made it clear where his priorities would lie, proclaiming that he would attempt to breed stability in his defence. Immediately, he assigned his faith in Philippe Mexes – a player broken and then shunned during Domenech’s reign – and Adil Rami, rejecting more experienced options in favour of the new Valencia defender.
Given that Mexes had looked like a lost lamb when playing for France and Rami had a reputation for lacking concentration, if not ability, there was some understandable scepticism at home over the new combination.
When France lost in Blanc’s debut against Norway – a match in which he would use only players who didn’t feature at the World Cup – there was little reason to be especially positive, and they even followed that up with a shock home loss against Belarus, their opponents on Friday night.
Even though that defeat came about because of an error from Gael Clichy, the coach did not waver from his selection, and he would be richly rewarded in the matches that followed.
Already under pressure just two games into the new regime, France didn’t buckle when faced with a hazardous trip to Bosnia, and the clean sheet earned in Sarajevo was the beginning of a lengthy shut-out streak, encompassing matches against Brazil and Croatia, and only disrupted by a solitary Peter Crouch strike in London.
One of the great problems Blanc has been faced with during his short stint has been how to handle those ‘South African rebels’. The mantra of stability and consistency in selection has not been lost, even with regards to a star name like Evra, who has played only once under the new coach, partly due to an internal suspension for the aforementioned incident, but also because there is faith in Clichy and Eric Abidal – and it is this confidence that Blanc has instilled in his defenders that has played a major role in the rearguard’s resurgence.
Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifying encounter will see an enforced change in the defence. Mexes will miss out due to injury, so prodigious Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Mamadou Sakho is instead expected to feature from the outset, leaving Rami now as the senior partner in the backline.
Even allowing for this slight problem, les Bleus’ back four is firmly on the road to recovery, and though it will be perhaps lacking the star appeal of other members of the squad - the likes of Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema, for example - it has proven to be a unit just as strong as any other in the side, laying a foundation from which the star names can shine.
Following the relative disappointment of Friday night’s stale encounter against Belarus, France head coach Laurent Blanc will be tempted to make changes to his XI for a friendly encounter against Ukraine on Monday night.
The second leg of France’s eastern European tour rolls into Kiev before Thursday’s match in Poland, and the coach will doubtless be eager for his side to play in a more confident manner than was achieved in Minsk.
While les Bleus never looked like losing against Belarus after drawing level through Florent Malouda, a lack of precision from the midfield meant that they were deficient offensively, and the forthcoming games provide a chance for some of the nation’s fringe players to showcase themselves.
One man who has been grabbing headlines at home but has yet to make a name for himself outside of France’s borders is Marvin Martin, and the 23-year-old is liable to make his debut, albeit off the bench, on Monday night.
Uncapped, the Sochaux player only made his real breakthrough in Ligue 1 this season and finds himself in the national team for the first time. There can be little doubt that his performances over the last year have merited his place in the spotlight.
Featuring for a side expected to struggle in Le Championnat, he was instead one of the major catalysts as they charged towards a top five finish, earning European football in the process. Along the way, he set a new record for assists in Ligue 1, notching 17 in total, far surpassing the previous best mark, which was set by Lucho Gonzalez of Marseille 12 months earlier, managing a mere 11.
Sochaux specialised on the counter-attack, and Martin’s abilities in broken play were commendable, though it will be his command of a dead-ball that will arguably interest Blanc more. The France coach loves his side to be proficient from set-pieces, and in this regard the Paris-born playmaker shines.
Dubbed ‘Little Xavi’ by his club-mates, Martin actually stands the same 5ft 7in as his Spanish counterpart and possesses a similar style.
Such was the impression he made over the campaign as a whole, the No. 14 would find himself on the shortlist for Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Year. He was in illustrious company, with Ghanaian World Cup star Andre Ayew and France internationals Yann M’Vila and Mamadou Sakho the other players on the four-man list.
Further recognition has come from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, who have started to take a closer look at the man whose shirt number matches the Parisian arrondissement in which he grew up, playing notably with Newcastle’s Hatem Ben Arfa as a youngster. In France, Marseille and Lyon have both reportedly added the player to their list of summer targets, while Lille are similarly interested. Meanwhile, German champions Borussia Dortmund have cast their eye over a player slowly starting to cause ripples in the European footballing world.
With the summer window not due to open in France until later in the week, Martin should take this chance to lay down a marker in the international game, particularly as big question marks still remain over the form of Yoann Gourcuff. He has risen to every challenge presented to him thus far, but breaking into the national team on a regular basis is undoubtedly his biggest test to date, though it could also be the making of him.
Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama will begin the new season in Ligue 1 after signing a four-year deal with French champions Lille.
After six years in Israel with Bnei Yehuda and Hapoel Tel Aviv where he won two State Cups and a league title with the latter, Enyeama will move to France and have a chance to play in the Champions League next season.
"I can confirm that I have finally signed a four-year deal with Lille of France and I am happy that the move will boost my performance for Nigeria and the club," the 28-year-old said to Complete Sports.
After being voted the best player in two of Nigeria’s matches at the 2010 World Cup, many expected Enyeama to move to a bigger European club but that was not to be.
Enyeama’s move to Lille will see him compete for a starting place alongside established number one Mickael Landreau.
As well as being a safe pair of hands, the reigning Nigerian Footballer of the Year is known for his penalty kicks which earned him eight goals in 112 appearances for Hapoel including one in the Champions League against Red Bull Salzburg last season.
Good article on PSG's Qatari investment. http://frenchfootballweekly.wordpress.com/2011/06/18/the-qatari-dilemma-facing-paris-st-germain/
Fairly interesting points made about the conflict between two ways of development. Is the Qatari investment route disrupting the youth development route? Should be interesting to watch.
It all depends on the ambition of the Qatari's IMO. If they will be happy with PSG being one of the best teams in France and eventually making it in UCL, then they should give a lot of space for players of the youth system.
But if they are willing to spend a lot and want PSG to chalenge for UCL, or at least do a Lyon, I doubt they will be happy with players from the youth system. As good as the U-19 and 17 teams of PSG may be, it will not bring them to top of Europe.
The former Arsenal midfielder Rémi Garde has been named as Lyon's new coach, replacing Claude Puel. The club said Garde, who currently heads Lyon's youth academy, will be officially presented later today.
PSG looks very likely to sign Guillermo Ochoa, I know he is supposed to be pretty good but what do you guys think of him?
overrated a bit.
He was suppose to be the next big thing 4 years ago. Today, still making silly errors. Classic Latin American keeper. AMazing reflex save, followed by horrendous positioning error leading to easy goal
He's amelia/marchetti/gomes/victor valdes (of a few years ago) class
Off topic: Why do people on this forum underrate Victor Valdes? Hes pretty much top quality, i agree at times he doesnt have much to do in matches but he has great composure and reflexes and does come in handy when called up.
On topic: Ochoa is nothing great + as Necro mentioned hes been involved in the doping scandal so not sure if the move will materialize.
thats why i said 'a few years ago'
Valdes has been solid recently, but he was a punchline maybe 3-4 seasons ago and fell into line of other keepers i listed.
Like every year, the OM is the scene of many maneuvers during the summer transfer window. This summer should not depart from the rule.
Transfers already acts to wild rumors is the opportunity to take stock item by item on the players that will evolve toward the Canebière next season.
To keep the goals of the Olympique de Marseille, Steve Mandanda remains faithful to the club. Moreover, it should remain the team captain Didier Deschamps for the 2011-2012 season. However doubt hangs over the identity of its lining. Elinton Andrade is not considered good enough for the job according to the staff of Marseille. The OM has targeted to replace two guards, they are changing Joris Delle and Gennaro Bracigliano in Metz, Nancy goalkeeper.
At right-back, competition should be tough! Rod Fanni, recruited during the last winter transfer window to compensate for the injury of Azpilicueta holds the rope to hold. The little Spaniard has not said its last word. While the rumors already sent to Valencia and Malaga, Azpi confirmed that he wanted to stay in Marseille: "My future is now at Marseille."
On the other side of the defense, Jérémy Morel Lorient was recruited to replace Didier Deschamps Taye Taiwo party in Milan. For 2 million, left-back joined the OM to become, in all likelihood, the undisputed holder of the position.
Souleymane Diawara is expected to remain in the OM to lead the central defense. To help, Didier Deschamps hopes to have M'Bia. But camourenais could soon join his friend Taiwo to AC Milan. According Itasportpress, it would be in the viewfinder of the team led by Alexandre Pato.
To complete the case, the Rossoneri leaders may even make an offer of 10 million euros. Marseille should recruit one or even two central defenders. The names circulating are N'Koulou, the Monaco and the French international Kaboul. For the moment nothing is done, but according to the team, hopes to recruit Jose Anigo Monaco in a week.
A week now agrees that the time for Jose Anigo also recruit Alou Diarra.
Already last year, Didier Deschamps wanted to recruit the Bordeaux region, this season the transfer should occur. The sporting director of the OM said that the club "agrees with the player" and that the sum was close to "4 million" to recruit the French international. Alou Diarra would be the second rookie midfielder from Marseille. At the opening of the transfer window, OM had hired Morgan Amafiltano out of contract at Lorient. Alou Diarra then replace Edouard Cisse who wishes to leave the Canebière. The OM should not hold him by releasing his contract.
With the contract extension Didier Deschamps, the Marseille coach should be able to count on Fabrice Abriel, Benoit Cheyrou and Mathieu Valbuena. The first two cities have proclaimed their desire to stay at the club and Didier Deschamps is not ready to let the little elf French. Its starting price is set at 25 million euros, few clubs can spend the money to afford the services of Valbuena.
After a season missed it, doubt hangs over Lucho Gonzalez. Victim of a burglary and uncomfortable in Marseille, Argentina cravings elsewhere. The trail leads the most serious in Spain, near Malaga but talks dragged on. Charles Kabore could also leave the OM, rumors send the side to replace Alou Diarra Bordeaux.
If ever the Marseille midfielder knows as many starts, no doubt that the arrival would be recorded. In this case, we could see the arrival of Moussa Sissoko on the side of the Velodrome. The midfielder has a good output from Toulouse.
This year, the revelations were André Ayew Marseille and his little brother, Jordan Ayew. True to Marseille from the training center, the brothers will stay at OM.
It's all the same to Gignac and Remy, the two later recruits of the last summer transfer window. Gignac, author of a dull season, wants to win in Marseille and Remy should have a starting spot in the starting 11 since Marseille Didier Deschamps trusts him. During 2010-2011, the attack was the weak point of the OM.
Brandao loaned to Brazil due to legal problems should not find the Ligue 1. The club Cruzeiro should exercise the option to purchase 4 million euros. What to invest in a new striker ... Nolan Roux, Brest striker could be the man for the job. After a good first season in Ligue 1, it has a release clause of € 8 million.
Didier Deschamps, he dreams of another man. This is Gilardino, already last year the former world champion wanted to recruit the player of Fiorentina. This year, the transfer does not seem in a better way. Many other clubs would like to enlist Gilardino and OM, right now, other priorities.
11, the uncertain Marseille for the 2011-2012 season remains. At present, Olympique de Marseille recorded more departures than arrivals. The club must recover from the ouster of Jean-Claude Dassier as president.
The team led by Vincent Labrune directive, the new president, Jose Anigo Didier Deschamps and can now focus on the summer transfer window.
To know all arrivals and departures will record Olympique de Marseille, follow the transfer market ... A true sports drama of the summer!
Lille have announced on their official website they have signed Saint-Etienne winger Dimitri Payet.
The figure involved in the transfer has not been revealed by either club, but reports in France suggest it to be in the region of €10 million.
The France international has penned a four-year contract which will keep him with the Ligue 1 champions until 2015.
Payet, who was also linked with a move to Liverpool, reportedly turned down on Monday a lucrative offer from Paris Saint-Germain to sign for Lille, and the winger has now explained his move.
"This was basically a choice based on sporting aspects. The directors and the coach convinced me with their speech," the player told Lille's website.
"I was seduced by the club's project. A new stadium within a year, a competitive team: here, there is everything to succeed.
"At Lille, I have the possibility of playing in the Champions League and fighting for one of the top places in Ligue 1."
Cameroon defender Nicolas Nkoulou has moved to Marseille from relegated French rivals Monaco on a four-year deal.
The 21-year-old centre back reportedly cost around US$5 million.
As part of the deal, Marseille will loan their Togolese international defender Senah Mango to Monaco with an option to buy.
Nkoulou will join forces with Stephane Mbia at Marseille, who partners him in central defence for Cameroon.
"It's great to meet up again with a brother!" said Nkoulou, who was also the subject of a reported approach from Lyon.
Nkoulou will compete for a place alongside Mbia with Senegal international Souleymane Diawara but said he had no qualms about the competition for a starting berth at France's most popular club.
"Competition is a part of our job," he said.
"I'm a competitor. It's up to me to be ready mentally."
Marseille coach Didier Deschamps heralded Nkoulou's qualities, which he said had been "demonstrated very early on at Monaco, as well as for the national team," and said he had "the potential" to be a first-team player.
Marseille, French champions in 2010, are revamping their squad after losing out to Lille in the Ligue 1 title race last season.
As well as Mbia and Diawara, the French side have Ghana's Ayew brothers, Jordan and Andre, and Burkina Faso's Charles Kabore on their books.
Olympique Marseille have reached an agreement in principle to sign Bordeaux midfielder Alou Diarra.
Negotiations have been on-going between the two Ligue 1 clubs and they appear to have found a breakthrough for the 29-year-old France midfielder.
A statement on Marseille's official website reads:
"L'OM, Alou Diarra and Girondins de Bordeaux have reached an agreement for the transfer of the French midfielder from Bordeaux to Marseille.
"There are still some details to adjust, but these latest points will be definitively concluded within the next 48 hours."
Neither Marseille nor Bordeaux have disclosed any financial or personal details regarding the move.
But it is said Diarra, who is tied to his current club until 2013, has a release clause in his deal which stipulates he can be sold if the club failed to qualify for the Champions League, which they did after finishing seventh last season.
Didier Deschamps' men are in Europe's elite cup competition after finishing runners-up to champions Lille.
AC Milan midfielder will be out of contract next June and therefore could sign as early as January on his next contract. Leonardo arrived recently at the helm of the PSG, as reported by **********, think of French midfielder to bolster his midfield. AC Milan to avoid losing him on a free transfer in a year would be willing to sell it already this summer, so as to create a capital gain.