Season Preview #9: Montpellier HSC
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With the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season fast-approaching, we’re running through every team in the league, giving you all you need to become a Ligue 1 expert. Every day from now until the season kicks off on August 16, we’ll preview two clubs every day, breaking down their key moves and how the season is likely to unfold for them.
Montpellier HSC
Founded: 1919
Stadium: Stade de la Mosson
Nickname: La Paillade, MHSC
Manager: Michel Der Zakarian
The uncompromising and experienced Armenian hard-case is actually in his second spell at Montpellier, after managing the side between 2017 and 2021. Raised in France, De Zakarian played for Nantes and Montpellier before embarking on his coaching career with a range of Ligue 1 clubs. From Clermont, Reims, and Brest to two spells at Montpellier and Nantes respectively, he is one of the division's veteran coaches. In his first spell at La Paillade, he would finish in a respectable 6th spot but miss out on Europa League qualification due to the results of the domestic cup finals. After a disappointing spell at Stade Brestois, he would return to Montpellier in February 2023 and guide the club to two respectable 12th-placed finishes.
Last Season: 12th, Ligue 1
Cult Hero: Téji Savanier
A proper midfielder, Téji Savanier turned down various opportunities to leave the club to be with his hometown side - and he is absolutely adored for it. At 32 years old he is now entering the twilight phase of his career, but he is still as influential as ever for MHSC.Last season, the former France U23 international scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 32 appearances in Ligue 1. His motor, technical ability, and toughness still make him an integral part of Montpellier's midfield. A repositioning recently has seen him sit deeper in midfield, yet he's still one of the top creators for Montpellier and in the division. It's perhaps a sign of things to come for the midfield veteran.
Key Arrivals / Departures:
Montpellier have been rather quiet in the Summer transfer window so far, with only one incoming player on a free transfer so far. Maxime Ésteve tied up a permanent move to English side Burnley, before midfielder Léo Leroy made a switch to FC Basel in Switzerland along with departure of attacking midfielder Sacha Delaye. Their one incoming player so far is 18-year-old Moroccan winger Othmane Maamma, who joins from Montpellier's B team after a productive season in National 3 (fifth tier).
Season Outlook:
It looks to be another season of consolidating stability for Montpellier, especially with very little transfer business. Yet, there is no reason why Der Zakarian's side can't look to build on their double 12th-placed finish in the last two seasons. If Akor Adams can recreate his rich vein of goalscoring form that he showed at the beginning of last season along with Musa Al-Taamari and the dangerous pace of Coulibaly, there is a chance that La Paillade could be an interesting offensive prospect this season. Montpellier don't want to get dragged again into the relegation conversation, so a top 10 spot would be a realistic aim for Der Zakarian's men - given the quality in the side.
Likely XI (4-3-3): Bertaud; Sacko, Sagnan, Omeragic, Tchato; Ferri, Savanier, Khazri; Coulibaly, Adams, Tamari
Photo Credit: Montpellier HSC
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