Angers SCO: Rumbling Back to Life in Ligue 1

After a challenging start to the 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign, Angers SCO are beginning to turn the tide as their current form have them out of the relegation zone.

Last season, Angers earned promotion to France's top flight after winning Ligue 2, but they began their campaign on an eight-match winless streak. Les Noirs et Blancs didn't secure their first win of the season until October 26 when they defeated Saint-Étienne 4-2.

Following the win against Les Verts, Alexandre Dujeux and his team have begun turning their fortunes around as they avoid being a one-and-done return to Ligue 1.

Since their October 4 match, which was a 1-1 draw against Olympique de Marseille, Angers have only lost two games in their last seven contests (three wins and two draws).

The Ligue 1 newcomers have recorded 11 points since the start of October, and this form has allowed them to move out of the relegation zone as they are currently 14th on the Ligue 1 table with 13 points.

Following last weekend's 1-0 win over Le Havre, Dujeux noted that he's pleased with the team's progress.

"There's still a long way to go in the season, and I feel like we're making progress... Effectiveness in football isn’t easy to work on, but we encourage the players to keep trying."

"The team is getting better with each passing day, and we need to keep up this momentum. We're improving both as a group and individually. We've rebuilt the team, and it takes time. These are players who work hard, and I hope we can keep this up in the days ahead."

For Angers to have turned its situation around, there needs to be players elevating their game to allow the squad to secure these important results. Last month, Dujeux explained how crucial team captain Himad Abdelli and goalkeeper Yahia Fofana have been recently.

"Himad Abdelli is not at the peak of his abilities. I have always believed in him. I think he doesn't realize his potential, and he is capable of doing even better. He is gaining confidence, which is important."

"Yahia Fofana is important to us. We made him an undisputed starter last season, and he repaid us well. His work with [goalkeeping coach Grégory Malicki], as well as the work of our other goalkeepers, is good. They are very united."

Angers have two Ligue 1 matches and a Coupe de France fixture to close out 2024. If they can earn positive results, they'll head into 2025 with a boost of confidence.

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