While a hierarchy seemed to have emerged at the top of Ligue 2 at the beginning of the fall, the top teams have started to trample, for the most part, for a few weeks. The missteps of the favorites over the past few weeks have reminded everyone that a championship season is a marathon, not a sprint. In these difficult times for the leading teams, we will have to show resources to bounce back.
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All behind and him in front. A few weeks ago, the Toulouse racehorse seemed destined not to be overtaken, especially after the slap inflicted on a direct competitor, Auxerre (6-0) during the 12th day. However, the masterclass October 16 hides another reality: for a good month, the Violets have been trotting rather than galloping since the famous success against AJA is the only one obtained in the last 5 matches. Philippe Montanier knows this situation all too well: during the 2019-2020 season, at the head of RC Lens, he dominated the first part of the season before a prolonged slump in results, between January and February. From first to third place, the coach was even sacked after two defeats against Châteauroux and Caen.
Could the same causes produce the same effects at Toulouse ? At the Sang & Or, Philippe Montanier already had a squad cut out for the title. His ambitious 3-4-3 system worked wonders for half the season before seriously running out of steam. This is what awaits Toulouse which is now “expected” on all Ligue 2 fields and designated as favorite by all the other championship coaches. Most TFC opponents adapt and strike against, like Caen (2-3) and Paris FC (2-2). The leader’s ability to reinvent himself and surprise is going to be vital. For the moment, Montanier remains faithful to the 4-3-3 at the start of the season and rather relies on the turnover to refresh his team. The promotion of Nathan Ngoumou as the holder turned out to be a success (one goal, two assists in three games). After a thunderous first against Auxerre, Rafael Ratao showed some limits against Guingamp.
Sochaux and Le Havre, discreet spinning
Two teams displayed a consistency comparable to that of Toulouse. Sochaux and Le Havre. However, the chasing duo always kept a distance when the opportunity to take the lead arose. For several matches, Sochaux has shone with its solidity and its ability to change matches in the last moments. The solidity remained but the success at the end of the match was gone in the last two weeks. The FCSM is one of the teams that turned the least at the start of the season. By dint of reusing the same holders, Omar Daf takes the risk of wear and tear. Another subject of reflection for the coach of the Lionceaux: the absence of a regular scorer. Despite undeniable qualities, Aldo Kalulu is only four goals away. Finisher profiles are rare in the Sochaux workforce. There is however under contract the top scorer in Ligue 2 of the 2016/2017 season, Adama Niane but the latter seems far from integrating the plans of Omar Daf who has not brought him into play since August 14, for only 5 minutes.
Before Saturday, Le Havre could boast of having the greatest unbeaten streak (10 games) before falling against Dunkirk (0-1). However, it was not for fault on the part of Paul Le Guen to have warned his players against a possible release. Le Havre has the best defense but that is due a lot to its goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. Saturday night, Le Havre is one of the teams that suffered the most shots on target (6). The Norman coach regretted the lack of control of his players, once led. It must be said that the HAC has only conceded the opening goal three times this season (two points taken). With four or even five players aged 21 or under among the regular holders, the HAC team’s composure in difficult times will be tested.
The Auxerre paradox, relaunched outsiders
L’AJ Auxerre is the big winner of the general tightening. Jean-Marc Furlan’s men returned to the podium on Monday thanks to a victory at Valenciennes and yet… Two weeks ago, the coach wondered if his team would be able to grab the Top 5. And with good reason. Since the heavy defeat in Toulouse, the Burgundians have faced enormous staffing problems. Against VA, it was necessary to do without Charbonnier, nor Autret and with a bench at 20 years of average age! After victories against Bastia and Valenciennes, two adversaries in difficulty, the diminished workforce of Auxerre will pass a test against a team from Pau in better shape on the 15th day.
the Pau FC is precisely one of the outsiders who have been put back into the race by the decline in form of the leaders. No pressure for one of the smaller budgets in Ligue 2. 7th, the Béarn club is already well above its objectives at the start of the season. Second best team at home but 17th away, Didier Tholot’s team will have to learn to travel to get into the top 5, which would be a real feat. Niort, 6th, displays an attractive game but an irregular shape. After coming close to relegation last season, Sébastien Desabre’s team is still quite young and is going through some games. Finally, the last team of the trio with 21 points but not the least: the Paris FC. In great difficulty since September, the Ile-de-France residents have finally restarted in Dijon (1-0). Even if the Bahraini owners will not go into excess, the club will certainly strengthen this winter. If the mayonnaise sets, the leading teams might regret not having widened the gap …
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