Last season was disappointing
Auxerre was one of the leading clubs in France over the last years, led by club legend Guy Roux, who spent at the helm 44 years. He retired in 2005, and Auxerre have struggled ever since. Team is now coached by Jean Fernandez, but even he couldn't help them last season, when they finished fifteenth in Ligue 1. One of the worst seasons in history could have been a bit less disappointing if they hadn't lost in the semifinal of League Cup to PSG. The team eventually finished just four points above the relegation zone and that served as a reminder what could happen this season if they do not bring some new players in. The management took this very seriously and strengthened the squad in every area. They will hope not to repeat the last season and achieve mid table finish.
The team is stronger now
After having one of the worst seasons in history, the club management did not hesitate in bringing new players. Adama Coulibaly (Lens), Jeremy Berthod (Monaco), Cedric Hengbart (Caen) et Jeremy Huygebaert (Mouscron) have been recruited to strengthen defensive sector, which conceded 52 times last season, while Moussa Narry (Etoile du Sahel) and Mariusz Dudka (Wisla Cracovie) are called to help Benoit Pedretti, Thomas Kahlenberg, Issa Ba and Kamel Chafni in the midfield area. In attack the management has decided to put faith in Daniel Niculae who was criticized for the lack of goals. Jean-Sebastien Jaures, Sammy Traore, Frederic Thomas, Marco Antonio, Vlad Munteanu, Baptiste Martin and Ludovic Genest all left while Gabriel Tamas is still in contact with Celtic and is expected to leave. Jean Fernandez could sign another striker before the window closes.
In
Adama Coulibaly (Lens)
Jeremy Berthod (Monaco)
Cedric Hengbart (Caen)
Jeremy Huygebaert (Mouscron)
Moussa Narry (Etoile du Sahel)
Mariusz Dudka (Wisla Cracovie)
Maurice-Junior Dale (Martigues)
Out
Sebastien Jaures (Monchengladbach)
Sammy Traore( returned to PSG)
Frederic Thomas (Le Mans)
Marco Antonio (PAOK)
Vlad Munteanu (returned to Wolfsburg)
Baptiste Martin (on loan at Clermont)
Ludovic Genest (on loan at Bastia)
They hope to play better than last season
After really bad campaign last season the team has brought some players especially in defense. The team is determined not to repeat the same mistakes as last season, and everybody believes that the start is crucial. If the team doesn't start well the things could get complicated and they can find themselves in relegation battle. The defense allowed 52 goals last season, but has been considerably reinforced to assure that doesn't happen again. The only problem can be serious injury of left back Berthod, and that may force the club to buy another player who can occupy that position. Midfield is better part of the team, with Thomas Kahlenberg and Benoit Pedretti operating from the centre of the park. Auxerre may have some problems with scoring if they do not buy another striker, as Niculae, Jelen and others are not natural goal scorers. Despite the new players, Auxerre faces another tough season and probably relegation battle. However, we don't think they will get relegated.
CL
CLQ
UEFA
RELEG