Ligue-1-2016 2017.Pdf
A Note from the Editor: For many, Ligue 1 cannot restart quickly enough following an almost perfect, but fundamentally cruel EURO 2016 for France on home soil. The pain suffered on that night in Paris by Didier Deschamps’s men and an entire nation remains all the more heartrending because of the newfound professionalism that Les Bleus conducted themselves with throughout the tournament. Karim Benzema antics aside, contrary to years of squad infighting, the team spirit inside the French camp was the strongest it had been since 2000. On the pitch, France proved that they are on the cusp of a new golden generation, with Samuel Umtiti, Kingsley Coman and Antoine Griezmann all shining. Although some of Les Bleus’ much touted young guns fell short of expectations, namely Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial, France’s U19 EURO win further confirms that the future is astonishingly bright for French football on the international scene. One would not be foolish to expect there to be some turnover of talent for the 2018 World Cup cycle, with Patrice Evra and others’ involvement coming to an end. Much like Les Bleus therefore, Ligue 1 too can expect a very different feel for the 2016/17 season. PSG have entered a new era after President Al Khelaifi’s obsession for progression in the Champions’ League failed to be adequately satisfied by Laurent Blanc, leading to the latter’s dismissal. Les Parisiens have appointed Unai Emery in Blanc’s place, who brings a new-age management approach that relies on a squad instead of a team of individuals, a charge often leveled at Blanc’s PSG.
[Show full text]