Season Preview #2: Auxerre
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With the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season nearing soon, we’re running through every team in the league, giving you all you need to become a Ligue 1 expert. From now until the season kicks off on August 16, we’ll preview two clubs daily, breaking down their key moves and how the season will likely unfold for them.
AJ Auxerre
Founded: 1905
Stadium: Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps
Nickname(s): AJA
Manager: Christophe Pélissier (two seasons)
Pélissier’s managerial career began in 2000 when he took over the role at US Revel. The 58-year-old’s first major job came in 2014 when he became the manager for Amiens SC, where he spent six years. Afterward, Pélissier moved to FC Lorient in 2019, helping them win Ligue 2 during the 2019-20 season and earn promotion to Ligue 1.
The French tactician left Lorient in 2022 and became the manager of Auxerre that same year. He helped them win Ligue 2 during the 2023-24 season and earn promotion to Ligue 1 for this upcoming campaign.
Last season: 1st, Ligue 2 (promoted)
Cult hero: Jubal
The Brazilian defender and club captain is one of the longest-tenured players on the Auxerre team, joining in 2020. After playing for multiple Portuguese clubs like Arouca, Vitória Guimarães, Boavista, and Vitória de Setúbal following his arrival to European football, the defender has found a home in France. Jubal has made 150 appearances for the French squad over the past four years, scoring 14 goals and recording four assists.
Key arrivals:
Auxerre aim to stay in France’s top flight beyond the 2024-25 season, and they’ve strengthened their defense with the signing of Gabriel Osho from Luton Town, following Luton’s relegation from the Premier League to the Championship. During his time at the English club, the versatile defender made 85 appearances, scoring five goals and providing one assist.
AJA also bolstered their attack with Canadian forward Theo Bair, who comes over from Scottish side Motherwell FC, where he made 41 appearances across all competitions while scoring 15 goals and registering six assists.
Key departures:
Auxerre haven't lost a key player from their team that won Ligue 2, but they have lost a promising player in Brayann Pereira, who came up through their youth system and has left the French side to join NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie.
Season outlook:
Auxerre had the best attack in Ligue 2 last season, generating 72 goals, and Ado Onaiwu recorded 15 goals during league play. With no major departures from the team that won a league title in 2023-24, AJA will head into Ligue 1 with confidence that they can remain in France's top flight past this season with their attack and Onaiwu leading the way.
The Ligue 2 winners will also face three opponents in their first five games that finished 12th or lower in the Ligue 1 table last season, so it's an opportunity to rack up points early while building up squad confidence.
Likely XI (4-2-3-1): Léon, Joly, Jubal, Osho, Mensah, Raveloson, Owusu, Sinayoko, Hein, Perrin, Onaiwu
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