Ligue 1 2006-2009

[cmburns]

und das nach 18 jahren profifußball

der hatte wohl die gleichen ärzte wie klasnic

Müsste man wissen was es für ein Fehler is, gibt ja genug die erst entstehen können usw...

[Romanisti]

Angeblich soll ein Transfer von Sören larsen zum FC Toulouse kurz bevorstehen.

Wäre sicher ein guter ersatz für Elmander und vom Spielertyp genau der gleiche.

ähm, wie bitte? nur weil die gleich groß sind, müssen die doch nicht dem gleichen Spielertyp entsprechen... vom gleichen Spielertyp sind die ungefähr soweit entfernt wie die erde zur sonne

[Pepi die Ratte von Hirt]

Neuigkeiten vom Tag

- Aruna Dindane steht vor einem Wechsel von Lens nach Nizza.

- Claude Makelele und Ludovic Giuly stehen offenbar unmittelbar vor einer Vertragsunterzeichnung bei PSG.

- Freddy Adu soll per Leihvertrag bei AS Monaco landen, wo er gerade ein Probetraining absolviert.

[cmburns]

Neuigkeiten vom Tag

- Aruna Dindane steht vor einem Wechsel von Lens nach Nizza.

- Claude Makelele und Ludovic Giuly stehen offenbar unmittelbar vor einer Vertragsunterzeichnung bei PSG.

- Freddy Adu soll per Leihvertrag bei AS Monaco landen, wo er gerade ein Probetraining absolviert.

Giuly is jetzt fix bei PSG laut orf.at.

[Pepi die Ratte von Hirt]

gestrige Neuigkeiten:

- Bakari Koné wechselt für 9 Millionen von Nizza zu Marseille.

- Lyon will John Mensah von Rennes und Frédéric Piquionne von Monaco verpflichten.

- Giuly hat für drei Jahre in Paris unterschrieben.

- Soren Larsen hat endgültig in Toulouse unterschrieben. 3 Millionen Ablöse.

- M'Bami bleibt nun endgültig in Marseilles.

[Tom.]

- Lyon will John Mensah von Rennes [...] verpflichten.

Der Deal ist durch; Lyon zahlt € 8,4 Mio. für den Innenverteidiger.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_3849397,00.html

bearbeitet 22. Juli 2008 von Tom.

[Noobody]

ähm, wie bitte? nur weil die gleich groß sind, müssen die doch nicht dem gleichen Spielertyp entsprechen... vom gleichen Spielertyp sind die ungefähr soweit entfernt wie die erde zur sonne

Also das darfst mir natürlich gleich erklären.

Beide haben ihre stärke im Kopfball und Abschluss(siehe anfangszeit bei Schalke). Nach der Verletzung ect. wurde er von Slomka überhaupt nimma berücksichtigt und das wars dann auch.

Einzigen unterschied was ich in erinnerung habe ist, dass Elmander Technisch besser ist und auch schneller ist.

Darfst mich natürlich korrigieren .

News von OM:

Mathieu Valbuena fallt für 6 Wochen aus....

Also sehr bitter.. Er entwickelt sich immer mehr zum dauerverletzten...

Cisse wird wohl zu 98 % bleiben.. Grund ist wohl das er ein sehr hohes Gehalt bei uns verdient und das andere Vereine abschreckt...

Andre Suazo aurait signé !

Déjà pisté lors du mercato hivernal (voir dépêche), l'attaquant chilien Andre Suazo aurait signé à l'Olympique de Marseille ! Cette information, reprise par le quotidien La Provence (voir article), provient directement de la presse chilienne..

[Romanisti]

Also das darfst mir natürlich gleich erklären.

Beide haben ihre stärke im Kopfball und Abschluss(siehe anfangszeit bei Schalke). Nach der Verletzung ect. wurde er von Slomka überhaupt nimma berücksichtigt und das wars dann auch.

Einzigen unterschied was ich in erinnerung habe ist, dass Elmander Technisch besser ist und auch schneller ist.

Darfst mich natürlich korrigieren .

brauche ich anscheinend gar nicht, hast ja die Antwort selbst gegeben.

Larsen ist ein reiner 5-Meter-Raum Stürmer, der auf Flanken und Hereingaben hoffen muss, Elmander ist eigentlich ein kompletter Stürmer, der technisch enorm versiert, kopfballstark, schnell und abschlusssicher ist, der auf die flügel ausweicht und sich auch Bälle hinten erkämpft...

ergo komplett anders als Larsen, der sicher auch seine Qualitäten hat, will ich gar nicht anzweifeln.

[Noobody]

brauche ich anscheinend gar nicht, hast ja die Antwort selbst gegeben.

Larsen ist ein reiner 5-Meter-Raum Stürmer, der auf Flanken und Hereingaben hoffen muss, Elmander ist eigentlich ein kompletter Stürmer, der technisch enorm versiert, kopfballstark, schnell und abschlusssicher ist, der auf die flügel ausweicht und sich auch Bälle hinten erkämpft...

ergo komplett anders als Larsen, der sicher auch seine Qualitäten hat, will ich gar nicht anzweifeln.

Tja da habe ich mich selbst mehr oder weniger korrigiert.

Hab mich halt als ich die meldung gelesen hab zu rasch eingebildet das sie gleich sind..(wenn man beide gesehen hat sieht man doch die unterschiede..).

[cmburns]

Helstad in Le Mans...

[Tom.]

Paris SG darf Ligacup nicht verteidigen

Der französische Ligacup-Sieger Paris Saint-Germain darf seinen Titel nicht verteidigen. Der Französische Fußballverband (FFF) lehnte einen Einspruch des Vereins am Dienstag ab.

PSG war vom kommenden Wettbewerb ausgeschlossen worden, da Fans beim diesjährigen Finale im März Anhänger des Endspielgegners RC Lens verunglimpft hatten.

Auf einem Spruchband waren damals Menschen aus Nordfrankreich beleidigt worden. Auch ein Vermittlungsversuch des Nationalen Olympischen Komitees blieb ohne Erfolg.

Laut FFF habe man eine der "Ernsthaftigkeit des Ereignisses angemessene Strafe ausgesprochen".

bearbeitet 30. Juli 2008 von Tom.

[Noobody]

Newscenter OM:

Zenit bietet 18 Millionen Euro für Valbuena....

Ich hoffe OM ist so gscheit und verkauft ihm nicht..

Cisse wird wohl bleiben

[Tom.]

goal.com hat neben größtenteils idiotischen Transfergerüchten lobenswerterweise auch Zeit gefunden, sich die Ligue 1 näher anzusehen:

Guide To Ligue 1

• Auxerre
  Last Season: 15th
  Star Man: Expect Benoit Pedretti to be the man that makes AJA tick this season. The Franco-Italian midfielder enjoyed a consistently excellent season last time out and the Burgundy club’s captain will seek to replicate this success. At 27 years-old the former Lyon man is coming to the peak of his powers.
  Best Buy: Defensive frailties have been strengthened by several astute signings. Cédric Hengbart enjoyed a terrific season as Caen’s right-back last term but expect Adama Coulibaly to also play a major role in Auxerre’s season.
  Expectations: Head coach Jean Fernandez will anticipate an improved league position come next May. Auxerre will be one of a massive clutch of clubs battling in the centre of the table and their improved defence should see them finish a little better than this term.
  Prediction: 10th
  
• Girondins de Bordeaux
  Last Season: 2nd
  Star Man: A largely unsung hero in last season’s push for Le Championnat, Aliou Diarra contributed to the side. Defensively, he was a rock in the centre of Bordeaux’s midfield while his contribution of four goals was also valuable.
  Best Buy: It may only be a loan deal, however, the addition of Yoann Gourcuff from AC Milan should give Bordeaux more guile in the middle of the field.
  Expectations: One year ago, there was little pressure on Laurent Blanc’s men to achieve a great deal in the league. A rookie last season, Blanc will be expected to go into this season better equipped both in terms of squad strength and know-how. With Marseille also strengthening, last year’s second placed finish will be tough to match, however, it is achievable.
  Prediction: 2nd
  
• Stade Malherbe Caen
  Last Season: 11th
  Star Man: Veteran midfielder Benjamin Nivet may be pushing towards the twilight of his career but he remains a force to be reckoned with in Ligue 1. The 31 year-old is capable of playing in a number of roles in the midfield and this will prove valuable for les Malherbes.
  Best Buy: It has been a quiet summer in the transfer market for head coach Franck Dumas. Pablo Barzola, Rajiv Van La Parra and Steve Savidan are the only major acquisitions that have been made. It will be the former Valenciennes man who will be most valuable to the Norman club this season; he has the potential to hit double figures and allow the fans to forget about the departure of Yoan Gouffran to Bordeaux.
  Expectations: Realistically, Caen will simply be aiming to maintain their Ligue 1 status. Given their experience from last term, they should be equipped to achieve this but matching last season’s 11th will prove a little too tough an assignment.
  Prediction: 12th
  
• Grenoble Foot 38
  
  Last Season: 3rd (Ligue 2)
  Star Man: Having managed 37 goals in Ligue 2 over the last three seasons, Nassim Akrour will be expected to steer Grenoble to safety. Akrour’s career trajectory has been unique to say the least; ten years ago he was playing at English non-league level with Sutton United.
  Best Buy: Index Holdings, the company which controls Grenoble, have elected to keep their cheque book well hidden much to head coach Mécha Bazdarevic’s chagrin. The experienced Bosnian trainer has elected to sign several veteran players. An Indian summer in Laurent Batlles’ career has been suggested by pre-season showings.
  Expectations: Due to their lack of investment, it is difficult to see GF38 finishing anywhere but the relegation zone. It may have been nearly 50 years since Grenoble played in France’s top flight, sadly, their stay will be not nearly so long.
  Prediction: 20th
  
• Le Havre AC
  
  Last Season: 1st (Ligue 2)
  Star Man: Newly acquired holding midfield player Nicolas Dieuze will have a huge part to play in Le Havre’s upcoming season. A stalwart at Toulouse, consistency has become a hallmark of the defensive midfielder’s game. An industrious midfielder, he has the potential to become a real fans’ favourite.
  Best Buy (or second best in this case!): Robbed of his chance to shine in Ligue 1 with Sedan two years ago due to injury, Stéphane Noro hit 12 goals from midfield during Le Havre’s title winning campaign last season. The 28 year-old attacking midfield has a point to prove and deserves his shot at the big time.
  Expectations: As with any newly promoted club, Le Havre will simply be aiming for survival. They should be better equipped than Grenoble but much will rely on how Cédric Fauré settles into the side. Ligue 2’s second top scorer last season (behind Le Havre’s departed star Guillaume Hoarau), he will have to contribute significantly for HAC to have much success. There is certainly the potential within the squad to survive as comfortably as Caen, Le Mans and Lorient have in recent years.
  Prediction: 18th
  
• Le Mans UC
  Last Season: 9th
  Star Man: With many of Le Mans’ traditional heroes of recent years such as Stéphane Sessegnon, Diasuke Matsui and Romaric now departed, head coach Yves Bertucci will rely heavily upon the presence of goalkeeper Yohann Pelé. A veteran of four Ligue 1 campaigns with MUC, the 25 year-old shot stopper has previously been a target for Liverpool
  Best Buy: Although there has been a number of exits from the Stade Leon-Bollée this summer, there have been relatively few arrivals. Norwegian pair Stromstad and Helstad will lend strength and, in the latter’s case, hopefully goal scoring prowess. Ex-Auxerre ball winner Frédéric Thomas should have the greatest short-term impact.
  Expectations: After last season’s superb showing Yves Bertucci has taken over the Le Mans post at an awkward time. With so many summer departures, his young squad will do well to finish top 15.
  Prediction: 16th
  
• Lille OSC
  
  Last Season: 7th
  Star Man: French internationalist Rio Mavuba showed signs of growing into the player he once was during his loan spell with Lille in the latter half of last season. Now with les Dogues on a permanent basis, LOSC’s new captain will be expected to lead by example.
  Best Buy: Taking charge of Lille for the first time on Saturday, Rudy Garcia is not expected to rely heavily on the players he brought in. Aside from Mavuba and experienced Nice midfielder Florent Balmont, young forwards Emil Lyng and Cédric Baseya are the only additions. With the pair not expected to feature on even a semi-regular basis and Mavuba already profiled that leaves just the versatile Balmont, who comes to the squad with the aim of replacing Lichtsteiner.
  Expectations: As one of France’s most successful clubs in recent seasons, Lille would expect a finish to match last year’s. In reality this will prove difficult if they cannot find a goal scorer. Kévin Mirallas’ heart is apparently in Saint-Étienne and a misfiring Pierre-Alain Frau is the only of their players to have breeched double figures in terms of league goals in a season. Their midfield remains powerful and can make up for their apparent lack of attacking prowess.
  Prediction: 7th
  
• FC Lorient
  Last Season: 10th
  Star Man: Midfield conductor Fabrice Abriel was simply outstanding for Lorient last season. Ultra-consistent, the Lorient captain has not missed a league match for three seasons, playing in 134 consecutive fixtures. In his two seasons at Lorient, the tenacious midfield man has never even missed a minute of league football (for any stattos out there, he’s played 7470 consecutive minutes). This remarkable run will come to an end when he serves a suspension at the beginning of this season.
  Best Buy: In an attempt to solve their undoubted striking problems, Kévin Gameiro has been acquired from Strasbourg. The youngster provided much needed impetus in preseason. If he can continue this form, it will make a tremendous difference to the well-being of the side.
  Expectations: After two seasons of comfortable Ligue 1 football, wily head coach Christian Gourcuff faces his greatest challenge yet. Les Merlus do not have the firepower to match last term’s top half finish but their defence is one of the stuffiest in the league and Lorient should be fine.
  Prediction: 13th
  
• Olympique Lyon
  
  Last Season: 1st
  Star Man: With such a plethora of talent to select from, it was Karim Benzema’s outstanding goal scoring contributions last season that really won Lyon the league. Had it not been for the young forward’s haul of 20 goals, Alain Perrin’s men would have been in deep trouble. Claude Puel will expect his star forward to recoup a similar number of strikes this term.
  Best Buy: As ever, Lyon have cherry-picked the best Ligue 1 has to offer. Puel has courted controversy by signing Frédéric Piquionne from Monaco while young Bosnian Miralem Pjanic may well prove to be the best long-term investment. For the coming season, the addition of John Mensah will prove vital. The Ghanaian will add certainty to the rearguard once settled.
  Expectations: Of course Lyon’s expectations are to finish top of the league. Possessing both quality and depth, Claude Puel has at his disposal the tools to claim and eighth consecutive championship. Marseille and Bordeaux may well provide a stern test for OL, but it will be les Gones who come out on top.
  Prediction: 1st
  
• Olympique Marseille
  
  Last Season: 3rd
  Star Man: With Samir Nasri now gone, much will be expected of Mamadou Niang. The powerful Senegalese player featured largely out on the left last season but still managed to muster a hugely impressive tally of 18 league goals. Even amongst the exciting new signings of Koné and Ben Arfa, he will remain Marseille’s go-to man, for this season at least.
  Best Buy: Rated as one of the best purchases in French football over the summer, young midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa’s move from Lyon to Marseille was a prickly subject to say the least. In the end, it was Marseille that acquired the 21 year-old’s silky smooth skills. He should prove a great signing.
  Expectations: Marseille have, for once, been realistic publicly. Securing regular Champions League football is their stated aim and, with the squad they possess, this should be a very attainable target. For the last two years poor starts have cost l’OM. Pre-season suggests that they may again struggle in the opening weeks of the season. If they can achieve a good start, who knows what might happen?
  Prediction: 3rd
  
• AS Monaco
  Last Season: 12th
  Star Man: It was noticeable that when Jérémy Menez picked up an injury towards the end of last season, Monaco’s fortunes nosedived. The attacking midfielder remains a transfer target for many of Europe’s top clubs but, as long as he is in the principality, he remains Monaco’s most valuable asset.
  Best Buy: Strangely, considering the number of players that have left the club, Monaco have been reticent to make any great moves in the transfer market to date. Freddy Adu may well be the highest profile signing that Ricardo has made, however, from pre-season performances, Ivorian, Jean-Jacques Gosso, could prove the best value for money.
  Expectations: Ricardo will be expected to make a quick start to the season as Monaco crashed towards the end of last term. In truth, it is hard to see them doing so. Les Monegasques lack a player to put the ball in the net while their defence has, in fact, got weaker in comparison to the rearguard that crumbled so often late last term. An equally disappointing finish as last term is forecast unless a striker is quickly signed.
  Prediction: 11th
  
• AS Nancy-Lorraine
  Last Season: 4th
  Star Man: For a side so reliant on team-work, it is difficult to pick an individual who is likely to shine. Given Nancy’s defensive strength, it would therefore be unfair not to pick a defender. Michael Chrétien was heavily linked with a move to Spain but, instead, chose to stay with the club where he was forged. A player capable of featuring in several roles, the Moroccan international will be a key to repeating last term’s successes.
  Best Buy: Nancy have lost last season’s outstanding player in the form of Sébastien Puygrenier, who moved to Zenit St Petersburg a fortnight ago. This season the defence remains key to Nancy’s prospects. Abbes Ouaddou, outstanding in Valenciennes over the last two months, faces a big test to replace Puygrenier but, in the city he considers home, he can certainly come somewhere close.
  Expectations: Nancy cannot expect to perform as strongly as they did last season. A young, improving attacking unit will certain aid head coach Pablo Correa and should fire ASNL into the top ten.
  Prediction: 6th
  
• FC Nantes
  Last Season: 2nd (Ligue 2)
  Star Man: Nantes have recruited heavily to increase the strength in their side. Both the offensive and defensive units have been strengthened equally, however, Croatian international striker Ivan Klasnic will stand-out to casual fans as Nantes’ biggest name signing. The forward scored twice in Euro 2008 and will look to carry such form on with his new side.
  (2nd) Best Buy: With Klasnic already having taken up the mantle of ‘Star Man’’, it would seem rude to ignore Nantes’ best defensive signing. Guirane Ndaw has been added from Sochaux. The Senegalese midfielder has impressed in his time in the east but will now take a prominent role with the newly promoted Canaris.
  Expectations: Nantes have spent to such an extent that they will expect to finish ahead of Le Havre, who beat them to the Ligue 2 title last season. If Michel der Zakarian can get his side to do this, it would be a fine achievement. Quickly gelling is the key to Nantes’ success this season.
  Prediction: 17th
  
• OGC Nice
  Last Season: 8th
  Star Man: Malian defender Cédric Kanté was a key component of the frugal nice defence last season. Now at 29 years of age, he will be the man the defence – the strength of the Nice side - looks to for inspiration.
  Best Buy: Undoubtedly Nice’s best summer purchase was ex-Lyon youngster Loïc Rémy. Already the 21 year-old, who is of the Benzema, Nasri, Ben Arfa generation, has shown he is ready to take the mantle of key forward away from Baky Koné, who has deserted the club for Marseille. Rémy’s preseason displays have forecast a great season for the youngster.
  Expectations: After missing out on Europe last season by a mere three points, Nice cannot anticipate such success this time around. Heavily reliant on the talents of young Rémy, Nice are light in terms of attacking numbers and, perhaps even midfielders. Despite this, le Gym’s preseason matches have been high scoring affairs.
  Prediction: 9th
  
• PSG
  Last Season: 16th
  Star Man: PSG may have had to endure several seasons of distinct mediocrity, however, there has always been one man in their side who has risen above this. Finishing last season with three goals and many more assists, left-winger Jérôme Rothen continues to outshine those around him by some way. A brilliant crosser of the ball, the Parisians’ forwards should thrive when Rothen is on the field.
  Best Buy: Despite his age, Claude Makélélé, who will captain the side, should prove to be PSG’s best buy. The very fact that ‘the Makélélé role’ is now a cliqued phrase used by commentators to describe a holding midfield player tells you everything you need to know about the great man’s pedigree. Guillaume Hoarau, who had 28 Ligue 2 goals to his name last term, is another man worth keeping an eye out for,
  Expectations: The support will expect Europe but, in reality, PSG are some way off securing this kind of finish. Their defence is far from the finished article while Paul Le Guen’s men are also without an experienced goal scorer. A strong midfield may go someway to compensating for these problems – enough to keep PSG away from the serious problems of last season – however, until further additions are made a spot in the middle of the league table seems probable.
  Prediction: 8th
  
• Stade Rennais
  Last Season: 6th
  Star Man: The transfer of John Mensah to Lyon signalled a changing of the guard in Rennes’ defence. Although Stéphane Mbia may not necessarily fulfil the same role as the Ghanaian, he is a highly rated young man, versatile enough to play in either defence or midfield. Strong in the air, it would be no great shock to see the 22 year-old courted by some big clubs by the season’s end.
  Best Buy: Guy Lacombe was left without a goalkeeper he could truly trust for long periods of last season. Simon Pouplin and Patrice Luzi both performed solid but unspectacular jobs. In the close season the former PSG boss took the plunge by acquiring Nicolas Douchez from Toulouse; already he has proven his worth with penalty heroics against Simferopol in the Intertoto Cup.
  Expectations: Rennes will always aim for a top-half finish, however, problems during the close season have disrupted the preparations of the Bretons. In particular, Jimmy Briand’s strike will rankle and is likely to cause a resonance deep into the season. With Wiltord also unhappy and new signing Asamoah Gyan not yet fit, it could be some time before Rennes start to play their fluent, best football.
  Prediction: 5th
  
• AS Saint-Étienne
  Last Season: 5th
  Star Man: Bafé Gomis may have got many of the plaudits towards the end of last season however Pascal Feindouno provides Sainté with an ‘X-Factor’ that few players possess. The Guinean is not a well-known face on the world football scene but he possesses one of the most charismatic styles of play. Inventive and exciting, Feindouno will look to thrill as les Verts take off on their first European adventure in decades.
  Best Buy: Sainté have spent pretty wisely over the summer, doing well to snaffle Diasuke Matsui away from Le Mans on a free transfer. Without specifically strengthening any area of their squad greatly, Sainté’s whole set-up looks to have a great deal more depth about it. This is evident in the defence (although Bayal Sall will sit out until the end of September), where Sylvain Monsoreau impressed on his debut against Standard Liege. The former Monaco captain is hoped to be a great acquisition.
  Expectations: Comments made publically by co-president Bernard Caïazzo suggest he expects Sainté to finish in a top five slot again this season. With the pool of players at their disposal this is certainly possible. If they can maintain their momentum from last term, they may even have a shot of sneaking third or fourth.
  Prediction: 4th
  
• FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
  
  Last Season: 14th
  Star Man: Former Inter Milan and Tottenham midfielder Stéphane Dalmat was frequently the inspiration for Sochaux last season, as les Lionceaux accelerated away from danger in the second half of the season. A versatile, two-footed player, there is plenty of football left in the much travelled 29 year-old.
  Best Buy: Sochaux are another side to have been rather docile in the transfer market. Central defender Jacques Faty has been acquired from Marseille while young Brazilian holding midfielder Carlao has moved to France from Corinthians. This leaves wildcard Tunisian forward Francileudo Santos as the pick of their signings. He may have been an abject flop at Toulouse, however, the Brazilian-born forward managed to score prolifically when last in Sochaux.
  Expectations: Head coach Francis Gillot has watched his side weaken rather than strengthen over the summer months. The loss of players such as Jérémy Bréchet and Guirane Ndaw will be difficult to overcome and, despite the revival of the side towards the end of last term, another tough season is in store.
  Prediction: 15th
  
• Toulouse
  Last Season: 17th
  Star Man: Much will be expected of wideman Fodé Mansaré this season. The Guinean had a slow start to last season that, with Achille Emana now departed, he cannot afford this term. Le Téfécé are short on attacking options and the enigmatic 26 year-old may well prove their best route through the midfield. A slick and tricky dribbler, the former Montpellier man is able enough to unlock any defence – but only in the right mood.
  Best Buy: This season is likely to be fought largely as a rearguard battle for Toulouse. As a result their defensive signings will prove particularly vital. In Etienne Didot, Alain Casanova has acquired a tenacious midfielder, however, former Marseille goalkeeper Cédric Carrasso may be the man most able to win the men from the Pink City key points this term.
  Expectations: With such a high turnover of players in the summer months it will be difficult for Toulouse to gain any early momentum. Not that they had a great deal from last season to lose. Le Téfécé were stuffy opponents but little more. Whether Alain Casanova, the newly appointed head coach, can rectify these problems remains doubtful. A shock demotion could be on the cards if newly signed forward Soren Larsen cannot find the net.
  Prediction: 19th
  
• Valenciennes
  Last Season: 13th
  Star Man: When Jeovanio picked up an injury that virtually ended his season in August, doubts were raised over the ability of young defensive midfielder Carlos Sanchez Moreno to step forward and take responsibility. The 22 year-old Colombian did just this, and did it brilliantly. Such was the standard of play set by the international, clubs such as Dynamo Kiev took an interest in January, although Valenciennes were wise enough to ward off any interest.
  Best Buy: Having lost Abbes Ouaddou and Steve Savidan, who were the two undoubted key performers from last season, their replacements will be vital to the success of VAFC this term. Top scorer Savidan has been replaced by Belgian international Luigi Pieroni, who has struggled for some time to find the net. Milan Bisevac, a powerful centre-back, who always impressed with Lens, will replace Ouaddou. A rugged presence in defence, Bisevac perhaps holds the key to VA’s season.
  Expectations: Selling Ouaddou and Savidan could have been suicide for Kombouaré’s side. There remains a decent pool of players at the former PSG defender’s disposal but the loss of Savidan could prove pivotal. Johan Audel and Grégory Pujol will be expected to shoulder the burden carried by Savidan, who was capable of turning nothing into something – the type of player currently lacking in a very physical unit.
  Prediction: 14th
  

bearbeitet 10. August 2008 von Tom.

[Pinturicchio]

Matchday 1: Saturday round-upTHERE was a sensational start to the new season at Rennes, where title contenders Marseille were held to a 4-4 draw after leading 3-1. Ligue 1 new boys Grenoble hit back late to record a 2-1 victory at Sochaux, while Bordeaux came from 1-0 down to beat Caen 2-1. Read about all a fabulous first night of action.LIGUE 1, MATCHDAY 1

Saturday, 9 August 2008

Rennes 4

Thomert 7, 51, Mandanda own goal 90, Cheyrou 90+3

Marseille 4

Kone 13, Ben Arfa 15, Niang 28, Grandin 90+2

>> Match Stats

With three goals in the first 15 minutes and two more in second-half injury time, fans at the Stade de le Route de Lorient were treated to one of the most remarkable games French supporters are likely to see all season as Rennes and Marseille fought out a pulsating 4-4 draw.

With Bakari Kone and Hatem Ben Arfa joining Mamadou Niang and Djibril Cisse in an attacking quartet, the match was supposed to signal the beginning of L'OM's title charge. But despite this mouthwatering array of attacking talent, it was the newly formed centre-back pairing of Elamin Erbate and Vitorino Hilton that had an immediate impact on proceedings, dithering as Olivier Thomert nipped in to convert a perfect Mickael Pagis cross with the season just seven minutes old.

But within moments fans were treated to a glimpse of the forward power that has prompted many observers to tip Marseille for the title. Two goals from two new boys in as many minutes - the first a razor-sharp strike from Kone, the second a measured finish from Ben Arfa - turned the game on its head. And by the half-hour mark a thrashing looked on the cards, as Niang took advantage of some poor defensive play - albeit from an apparently offside position - to score a third.

But far from rolling over, Rennes hit straight back after the break. Again it was Thomert, and yet again it was a defensive error, this time from goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, whose mishit clearance fell straight to the midfielder, who made no mistake just two metres from goal. Seconds later Mandanda was at it again, but this time he managed to deny Rod Fanni an equaliser.

With the game heading towards a Marseille win, gutsy Rennes piled on the pressure and when a mix-up between Mandanda and Erbate resulted in a last-minute own goal, 3-3 looked like the final scoreline. But just seconds later, Marseille regained the lead through substitute Elliot Grandin, only for Bruno Cheyrou to equalise again with virtually the last touch of an unforgettable game.

Sochaux 1

Erding 77

Grenoble 2

Akrour 87, Moreira 89

>> Match Stats

Promoted Grenoble mounted a stunning late comeback to grab all three points with a thrilling 2-1 win at Sochaux.

The Ligue 1 new boys – making their first top-flight appearance in 45 years – found themselves 1-0 down with 13 minutes to go but refused to buckle and scored twice in the last five minutes to snatch victory in remarkable fashion.

First substitute Nassim Akrour headed home to make the score 1-1 three minutes from time – but rather than settling for a point Grenoble pushed on and netted a winner. Daniel Moreira, on loan from Rennes, pounced on a loose ball in the area and dribbled round goalkeeper Teddy Richert to score his first Ligue 1 goal in more than two seasons.

Sochaux had looked to have claimed all three points when Mevlut Erding put them ahead on 77 minutes. The Turkey international striker headed home unstoppably from a Valter Birsa. But Sochaux could do nothing about Grenoble's fighting spirit – and ended up on the wrong end of Ligue 1's biggest shock result of the night.

Bordeaux 2

Gourcuff 54, Cavenaghi 79

Caen 1

Nivet 10

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Fernando Cavenaghi came off the bench as Bordeaux mounted a second-half comeback to beat Caen 2-1.

The Argentina international – les Girondins' top scorer last season with 15 goals from 23 games – struck the winner 11 minutes from time. Yoann Gourcuff had equalised with a sublime goal on 54 minutes, picking up a pass from Brazilian team-mate Wendel before firing an unstoppable shot high into the net.

The win was no less than Bordeaux deserved, however, for their excellent performance after the break. Caen had taken the lead against the run of play in the 10th minute when midfielder Benjamin Nivet finished a rapid counter-attack.

The visitors did well to hold out until half-time but the hosts' superior quality told in the end, giving Laurent Blanc's side a winning start.

Le Havre 1

Lesage 72

Nice 0

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Le Havre marked their return to the top-flight after a five-year absence with an excellent win over Nice, ironically the last side they faced in Ligue 1 before their relegation in May 2003.

The visitors were clearly feeling the loss of a number of key players, including Hugo Lloris, Ederson and Baky Kone, and in a game of few clear-cut chances, a goalless draw seemed the most likely outcome as neither goalkeeper was unduly troubled.

But with under 20 minutes to go, a goal finally arrived, much to the delight of the home crowd at the Stade Jules Deschaseaux. There was a touch of good fortune about it, however - after a neat turn on the edge of the box, Jean-Michel Lesage's shot was deflected, totally wrongfooting Lionel Letizi.

Monaco 1

Nimani 79

PSG 0

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Monaco made a winning start against PSG's expensively-assembled team with a late goal.

Frederic Nimani made the vital breakthrough, heading home a Camel Meriem cross 11 minutes from time. The striker, who spent last season on loan at Lorient and Ligue 2 side Sedan, had scored only one Ligue 1 goal before.

Nimani was one of several youngsters handed a start by home coach Ricardo, with midfielder Cedric Mongongu and striker Juan Pablo also named in his line-up. PSG gave debuts to Claude Makelele, Ludovic Giuly and Guillaume Hoarau, last season's 28-goal Ligue 2 top scorer. The big man up front had few chances to impress, however.

Neither side impressed over 90 minutes, although PSG's right-back Ceara will regret a fantastic chance to score. Put clean though by Giuly in the first-half, the Brazilian could only shoot wide, a miss that eventually cost his team dearly.

Auxerre 2

Jelen 36, Quercia 72

Nantes 1

De Freitas 68

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Auxerre got their 2008-09 campaign off to a winning start with a hard-fought victory against newly promoted Nantes thanks to the quick reactions of striker Julien Quercia, who netted the winner.

The home side dominated proceedings but were unable to translate possession into chances until just after the half-hour mark when a superb cross from Benoit Pedretti found Ireneusz Jelen. The Poland international looked certain to score but Nantes goalkeeper Tony Heurtebis somehow pawed the ball round the post for a corner. It was a brief reprieve, and from the quickly taken corner Pedretti crossed, Jelen headed goalwards and this time Heurtebis could do nothing to stop it.

With the match slipping away, Nantes pushed forward and appeared to have got a reward for their efforts when David de Freitas rifled in a shot from outside the box to equalise with 20 minutes to go. But just moments later, all their hard work was undone when Heurtebis spilled a cross and Quercia gleefully tucked away the winner.

Valenciennes 1

Danic 27 pen

St Etienne 0

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St Etienne, rated by many as outside contenders for the title, suffered a surprise opening-day defeat as a first-half penalty was enough for Valenciennes to earn a 1-0 win at Stade Nungesser.

Gael Danic, a summer signing from Troyes, marked his debut with the winning strike, converting from the spot after visiting goalkeeper Jody Viviani was adjudged to have brought down Johan Audel in the box.

There was little between the two sides, but St Etienne didn't really push forward enough to deserve a point. Star striker Bafetimbi Gomis was surprisingly left on the bench, although he came on after 51 minutes and nearly snatched a spectacular equaliser two minutes from time when his thunderous shot come back off the post.

Le Mans 0

Lorient 1

Jallet 57 pen

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Lorient earned a precious and well-deserved 1-0 win over a depleted Le Mans at Stade Leon-Bollee.

The visitors, who handed a debut to France U21 striker Kevin Gameiro, were much the better side and grabbed the vital goal from the penalty spot in the 58th minute. Gameiro was hauled down by Ibrahima Camara and Lorient right-back Christophe Jallet made no mistake from the spot.

Lorient controlled the game against a Le Mans side who, shorn of goalkeeper Yohann Pele (injury) and Ivory Coast striker Gervinho (Olympic duty), looked short on quality. Substitute Anthony Le Tallec missed the best chance to equalise when, clean through, he shot straight at visiting goalkeeper Fabien Audard.

After seeing six first-teamers leave the club over the summer, new Le Mans coach Yves Bertucci appears to have his work cut out.

Nancy 0

Lille 0

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On a day packed with goalmouth incident, Nancy and Lille played out the only goalless draw in Ligue 1.

Having eventually finished fourth last year after a hugely successful campaign, Nancy might have hoped for better against a Lille side now under the control of ex-Le Mans coach Rudy Garcia. Having been deprived the services of influential midfielder Ludovic Obraniak, Lille turned to Michel Bastos, and the Brazilian didn't disappoint, forcing excellent saves from Bracigliano in the Nancy goal.

The home side's best chance came on the hour mark as Youssouf Hadji's superb effort crashed back off the bar, and it is a reflection of the match that the biggest talking point of the second half was the expulsion of Lille defender Adil Rami for a late tackle at the end of the match.

und am Sonntag

LYON 3:0 TOULOUSE (1:0)

1:0 Makoun 12.

2:0 Benzema 58.

3:0 Benzema 66.

[Tom.]

Bordeaux hab ich mir gegeben; Gourcuff mit einer starken Leistung.

Von ASSE und ASM nur Zusammenfassungen gesehen; erstere haben negativ, zweitere mMn positiv überrascht...