FC Metz: distinguished in defeat

FC Metz's relegation to Ligue 2 BKT was confirmed on Sautrday following a 2-1 defeat to AS Monaco. We look at some of the bright sparks in their season, despite their upcoming exit from France's top-flight.

Hein leads the way again

Benoit Tavenot has not expressed great optimism regarding Metz's chances of avoiding relegation in recent weeks. As the task became increasingly difficult, Tavenot's tone was increasingly despondent. It was a reaction to fate being out of their hands, and wins for Nantes and Auxerre this weekend showed that, regardless of what they did, it may not have been possible to stave off the drop.

Metz have become the yo-yo club of Ligue 1 McDonald's; in eight of their last 13 seasons in the top-flight, they have suffered relegation. But Metz have a propensity to rebound and, as they look to do so again next season, there can be reason for hope once more.

Player sitting on the ball = certified BALLER ⚽️

Gauthier Hein. ✨ pic.twitter.com/kFcBBU98tV
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) September 14, 2025

Much of that hope can be derived from the match against Monaco, specifically. Under Stéphane Le Mignan, there were moments for Les Grenats. At times, they could rival some of those competing at the top of the table, not by going toe-to-toe, but by playing to their own strengths: defending compact and breaking into the spaces. Those moments, however, were too fleeting, and whilst Gauthier Hein's strengths were highlighted in this system, points were not forthcoming.

Metz opted, therefore, for a managerial change. It has not reaped its rewards. Having started the season with Bastia in Ligue 2 BKT, failing to win a game, Tavenot was given a difficult task. Their failure to stave off the drop can be attributed to their defence, the worst in Ligue 1 McDonald's this season (72 goals conceded, OGC Nice have conceded the second most with 58). Goals, however, have been less of an issue. Out of the two other teams in the relegation places (automatic or play-off), Nantes and Auxerre, Metz have scored the most. They have also scored more than Angers and Le Havre.

Mix of youth and experience the key to bouncing back?

In this sense, Metz have been carried by their passionate captain, Hein, who, with eight goals, is responsible for a quarter of all of Les Grenats' goals in Ligue 1 McDonald's this season. Habib Diallo, a returnee, has also chipped in, netting four himself. Hein has also been the creative spark. His five assists are the most for Metz this season. With three goals and two assists, Georgia international Giorgi Tsitaishvili has also had a strong season.

You feel that Hein and Tsitaishvili will be key players if Metz are to immediately bounce back into Ligue 1 McDonald's, as they are in the habit of doing. They will accompany a fresh cast of young players. Sadibou Sané has been one of the best-performing prospects for Metz this season. Whether the club will retain the Senegalese player is uncertain, but in any case, Metz will be able to continue to lean on their Génération Foot partnership, which ensures a continued stream of talent from Senegal, all the way to their first team.

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