Giving Les Lionceaux Its Roar - An FC Sochaux-Montbe Story
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The May Review - Part 2

"With the Europa League in the bag, we have two league games left to contend with. My aim was to get into Europe via the league, and even though we will be in Europe next season, I would like to finish in 6th so we got their on the merit's of our league performance too."

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Ligue 1 – Matchday 37
Stade Malherbe Caen 1 - 3 FC Sochaux-Montbe


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“We were almost handed this game by Caen, as we didn’t move out of first gear in this one.

We strode easily into a 3-0 lead, and just relaxed in the second half to the easiest 3 points you’ll ever see.

A great game to have after a midweek game, and sets up the last game with a real chance of 6th​.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 38
FC Sochaux-Montbe 1 – 0 Marseille


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“Absolutely over the moon with this result, that really personified our season.

We were the better team, and Marseille really allowed us to keep the ball and create chances, and we deserved to win, which was great revenge for the opening day defeat.

We finished 6th​, which I am very pleased about as that would mean we would have qualified for Europe even if we didn’t win the Europa League, which is a great feeling.

A good end to a very exciting season, don’t you think?”

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Review of May


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"An unbelievable end to a magnificent season. We reached our aims in the league, we surpassed anything we could dream about in the Europa League, and it has been a really incredible first season in management of these lads.

I'm not doing a player of the month this month, as there is too much to choose from. They were all terrific, all of them put themselves on the line for the final push, and we deserved everything we got.

Onwards and upwards is the only direction we have left, and I can't wait to get our next campaign underway. "

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Right, at the waypoint now of what to do.

Do people want a season review? As some players did win awards, or would you rather that be combined into the pre-season?

What would you like to see?
 
Combine it with the Pre-Season review. Just my opinion :)
 
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The Off-Season and Pre-Season


“After a great first season, here is a look at what we went through over the summer leading into, and what actually transpired in the pre-season. It’s a hefty lot to go through, so stick around until the end!”

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Awards

“No better place to start than the rewards the team got after this past season and how well they performed.”

Star of the Season – 2nd​ place – Ryad Boudebouz


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“To come second to one of the hottest prospects in Europe in no mean feat. Ryad has been sensational, a consistent danger down the right and has really been more than a star this season.

I will be praying I can hold on to the lad in the off-season.”


Stars Team of the Season – Ryad Boudebouz and Mathieu Peybernes


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“Delighted for both, but since I have talked about Ryad, I will focus on Mathieu. For a lad of just 21, he has unbelievable level-headedness as a centre back.

Both he and Martial really created an outstanding centre-back pair, and he looks like a star for the future.”


11 of the Season – Marvin Martin


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“There are many reasons that Marvin is one of the best footballers in France, and they were all on display this season.

He starts, and sometimes ends, a **** of a lot of attacking play, he has a great leadership about him that raises the performances of those around him.

He’s only 24, and now he’s been promoted to the vice-captaincy, and he deserves it.”


Manager of the Season – Nathan Staples


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“Well, what can I say about myself…

I’m ****** awesome! No, it’s all down to the lads, but it’s an honour to win this award.

Onwards and upwards I say!”

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Out of Season Happenings


Euro 2012


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“It was very much a surprise, but France went out and won Euro 2012.

What made this ever more special was the fact Marvin Martin set up the winning goal in the final.

I’m delighted for him, and he came back to rapturous applause, and he was as chuffed as John Prescott in a cake store.”

New Contract for Nathan Staples

“Yes, I managed to get an extension to my contract here at Sochaux. My wages go up by a couple of grand to €9,750p/w, and it’s been extended until 2014.

I’m happy, but I would like slightly longer if I can improve this seasom.

Facilities Downgrade

Yes, regrettably, due to other’s fantastic facilities, ours have downgraded.

However, before I did anything transfer wise, I managed to convince them to improve them to the prestige they had.

It’s the legacy of this club, and it should stand again.

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TRANSFER CLOCKWATCH

“I was delighted to be given €9mil to spend, but I’ve had to become conservative. We still can’t attract the talent to take us to that next level, but I was determined to thicken out the squad.

What I did have to watch out is the constant attention for my players.

Some, were difficult to turn down, such as Arsenal’s €15mil offer for Ryad Boudebouz, but only €40mil will make me think.

Some, we could have negotiated, such as Lyon’s offer of €5mil for Kevin Anin, where €9mil would have sealed the deal.

Some, were borderline hilarious. LEMANS, newly promoted, offered €3mil for Peybernes. I almost cried, then said they would never get him.

We also fought off interest from Inter, Tottenham and Real Madrid to keep youngsters Chabert, Fourcade, and Walter.

However, a lot of dead weight was shifted. Those on loan last season to other clubs have promptly left, and so have a few that were on the coattails last season.

Moving on to who I actually brought in. First piece of business, signing last season’s marvel Johan Martial. He was great last term, and we managed to sign him for a mere €1.5mil, and that’s a bargain for me.

Next in line, we needed a right-back. Corchia is superb, but we need an equal quality cover, and that’s what we found in Nenad Tomovic.

Not only a talented right-back, but also a decent centre-back if needed. Only 24, cost the club €675k, incredible value for money.

The last signing we have made is a bit of a headliner. I felt we needed another midfielder, whereas last summer I felt we needed some variety in the centre of midfield, I loved how the creativity in the middle two worked.

So, I spent a little more to get Kevin De Bruyne, who also operates at attacking midfield, or even on either wing, for €2mil. Another great buy in my opinon, and will blossom here.


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Friendlies

FC Sochaux-Montbe 2 – 1 Atalanta



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West Ham 1 – 0 FC Sochaux-Montbe


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Hull City 1 – 0 FC Sochaux-Montbe


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Leyton Orient 0 – 3 FC Sochaux-Montbe


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“Average pre-season, but I was more concerned about fitness after Euro 2012 and a long break over results. Disappointed about the Hull result, yet the Atalanta game was a terrific performance.

The league starts in early August, so we will go into that in good health.”

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Aim’s for the Season Ahead

“In 5 competitions this season, and I want to see this squad do something special again.

In the league, we need to be at least 6th​ again and, regardless of significant improvements of teams like Marseille, I would love to get into the top 3 and have some Champions League football, but that might be a little farfetched.

Europa League, I would like to at least get through the group. Anything else again, is a bonus.

I would like to get a little further in the cup competitions, if we can reach a quarter final, I’ll be pleased.

The Super Cup will be a great occasion, I don’t expect the lads to beat Barcelona.

This season should be the set-up for a realistic challenge next season.”

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Out of interest, anything anyone wants to know extra before I actually start the season?
 
Please could I see a screenie of Boudabouz and Martin's stats and values please?

And perhaps a shot of your finances too if thats ok?
 
Cheers for the screenshots!
Loving martin's stats I wonder what offers will start to come in after another year or 2 of development.
And looks like your pretty set financially too :)
Looking forward to new season!
 
just started a season with sochaux because my mate plays for their youth team, danilo sarkic. i took a different route to you, selling martin to malaga for 11mil and a 50% sell on clause. i really didn't want to but i felt it was necessary in order to bring in some signings. i would like to know who would be available cheaply in last year's ligue 1 team of the season, and what you did with danilo please.
 
Maybe get a screenies of your signings, great season btw, congrats on the Europa League!
 
Grainger Jackson said:
just started a season with sochaux because my mate plays for their youth team, danilo sarkic. i took a different route to you, selling martin to malaga for 11mil and a 50% sell on clause. i really didn't want to but i felt it was necessary in order to bring in some signings. i would like to know who would be available cheaply in last year's ligue 1 team of the season, and what you did with danilo please.
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I would never sell Martin, he is a genius of a player! I would have at least held out for 25 million mate, but your choice.

None of those players would come cheap, and I'll be honest it is difficult to attract top talent to the club.

Sarkic! He's still in the youth squad, the only issue is that a 15 year old regen is in-front of him, who looks like he could become a world class player.

He could certainly develop well, I have kept an eye on him, but there would have to be vast improvements to be in my plans.

The Icelander said:
Maybe get a screenies of your signings, great season btw, congrats on the Europa League!
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Of course!

Nenad Tomovic

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Kevin De Bruyne

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Johan Martial - Was superb for me last season, a lot of potential, a started in the U21's.

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Just read through this mate and it is fantastic. You achieved great things last season! Hope you better it this season :D You've kind of inspired me to take on the French League myself, perhaps with Stade Rennais?
 
TheJayBee said:
Just read through this mate and it is fantastic. You achieved great things last season! Hope you better it this season :D You've kind of inspired me to take on the French League myself, perhaps with Stade Rennais?
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I pray I can better it!

And good to hear! A very good team, build around Yann M'vila would be my advice, and use that great youth set-up to your advantage!
 
i'm afraid to say that you were right about keeping martin. we only got 20% of his transfer money to spend due to the stingy nature of the board. that was invested mainly in the wage budget to tie down the better prospects, to bring in a few loans and frees, and to sign some cheap youngsters. we are struggling for creativity, winning games by one or two goals, and only one point of the top in ligue 1 after 5 games due to the performances of teddy richaert, who is clearly better than my *** man rates him. i have no idea how you won the europa league, we were thouroughly outclassed by bilbao, and squeezed through and were then fourth seeds in a tough group. congratulations are in order for managing to win that.
 
Grainger Jackson said:
i'm afraid to say that you were right about keeping martin. we only got 20% of his transfer money to spend due to the stingy nature of the board. that was invested mainly in the wage budget to tie down the better prospects, to bring in a few loans and frees, and to sign some cheap youngsters. we are struggling for creativity, winning games by one or two goals, and only one point of the top in ligue 1 after 5 games due to the performances of teddy richaert, who is clearly better than my *** man rates him. i have no idea how you won the europa league, we were thouroughly outclassed by bilbao, and squeezed through and were then fourth seeds in a tough group. congratulations are in order for managing to win that.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the board is stingy, but they relaxed in the second season.

Cros will want Teddy's spot soon enough, and let them fight it out.

Just continue the way you are mate, you can see that my group was tough too. Stick it out and try your best, because you never know...

Gonna slap an update on y'all about 9ish.
 

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The August Review – 2012/2013

“Here we go again, ladies and gentleman, another league season is upon us. I’m looking forward to another chapter in my managerial career, and I think this club could be on the verge of something.

With Toulouse, Lille, PSG and Saint-Etienne this month, and a Super Cup final against Barcelona, could we get off to another great start?”

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Ligue 1 – Matchday 1
FC Sochaux-Montbe 1 – 0 Toulouse FC


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“Off to a good start here. Against an improved Toulouse sign, buoyed by the signing of Swiss midfielder Valentin Stocker, but hurt with the losses of Paulo Machado and Franck Tabanou.

We really dominated this game, had plenty of chances to score more goals, but we didn’t put our shooting boots on.

A fabulous display by our defence, who were terrific. I was worried I’d need one experienced head at the back, but a youthful approach is working wonders.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 2
LOSC Lille 1 – 3 FC Sochaux-Montbe


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“I adored spoiling the party as Lille lost their first home game in their new ground.

This was a much more clinical performance, with Privat grabbing himself two and a Boudebouz penalty.

With Eden Hazard leaving to, surprisingly, Marseille, Lille have been severely weakened, and this is a team we need to be beating if we want to get into the top 3.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 3
FC Sochaux-Montbe 1 – 0 Paris Saint-Germain


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“Delighted with the result, that I feel we deserved. We scored another headed goal, which is good to see.

Defensively solid again, and that’s pleasing, we kept them well at bay.

One more league game, hoping we can keep this up.”


Ligue 1 – Matchday 4
Saint-Etienne 1 – 0 FC Sochaux-Montbe


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“I am disappointed in the way we played this game. There was no desire, and we allowed too many chances to float past us.

We could have been better in an attacking sense, but in the end we just did not deserve the three points.
Need to do better with long range shots, they look to be becoming a problem.”

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TRANSFER CLOCKWATCH


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“Some updates I can bring here:

- Roberto Firmino, who I have chased for a while, has requested a transfer again. The asking price is 6mil, but Hoffenheim still refuse. I’m assuming they are trying to calm him down, but I shall poke and prod, might have to be a target again in January

- The signing of Franco Zuculini is off, after he joined Levante. Pretty furious about this one, Hoffenheim wanted an extra million from us, and the players agent wanted a wopping fee and a silly contract. I offered him 26k, he’s on 24k in Spain. Insanity.

- Bakambu and Richert have requested transfers, which I have granted. Bakambu is naturally talented, but should be a lot further on than he is now, and he may hit that potential, may not. Richert is clearly past it, on a huge wage, and I don’t care.

There may be more in the final days, but I would doubt it.”

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Europa League Group Stages Draw


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“We go straight into the pot, and in first. Would love a good draw for a change.

“And in Group F with reigning champs FC SOCHAUX-MONTBE go…

APOEL NICOSIA!”

“Good start! No-one is a pushover in the competition, but it definitely could be worse.”

“Joining those two shall be…. RED STAR BELGRADE!”

“Again, decent draw. However, this does mean travelling to Cyprus and Serbia..”

“And rounding off Group F will be… HAPOEL TEL-AVIV!”

“And now Israel. This is a group we should be topping, but the travelling might take it out of the squad.”

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EURO Super Cup Final
FC Barcelona 2 – 1 FC Sochaux-Montbe


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“I’m proud that the lads made sure this wasn’t an embarrassment.

They are simply a class above, and have still got great quality under new manager Arsene Wenger, after Pep Guardiola left to manage Spain.

Messi was sensational, as always, and we kept up with as best we could, but in the end, we were playing the best team of a generation, and a 2-1 loss isn’t too bad.”

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Review of August


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“A game in hand, and we could be top. A good start, with 9 points from a difficult 12.

Hopefully will look to cement a strong position in the next few months.”


Player of the Month

Mathieu Peybernes


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“Some terrific displays from the lad, who has improved on last year, a feat I thought was impossible.

2 crucial headed goals, that turned out to be winners, and some solid performances show why I like this lad so much.

Mathieu looks like he will be key to this side’s success again this season.”

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Fantastic start to the second season, mate. Brilliant win over Lille and the perfomance against Barca is encouraging. KIU.
 
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