Alexandre Dujeux appointment a sign of Lorient's ambition
After a stellar season following their return to Ligue 1 McDonald's, there is optimism and ambition at Lorient. Alexandre Dujeux's arrival as manager only accentuates that feeling at the Moustoir.
Dujeux excels at Angers
Lorient and Dujeux are moving in the same direction and they will now do so together. Les Merlus secured promotion from Ligue 2 BKT in the 2024/25 season with Olivier Pantaloni. The Corsican manager continued to impress in Ligue 1 McDonald's. The Breton club were one of the favourites to make an immediate return to France's second tier. But they defied those expectations, finishing 10th. The Moustoir was a fortress. Lorient lost just three times at home all season. Only PSG and Marseille lost fewer times at home (2).
Lorient are a club on an upward trajectory. Dujeux's managerial career is following a familiar trend. He could do nothing to prevent Angers' relegation, having arrived midway through the campaign back in 2022/23. But, like Pantaloni, he brought his club back into the top-flight on the first time of asking.
Foley sets sights on Europe
And, to continue the Lorient link, Angers were strongly touted for relegation. One a shoestring budget, however, Le Sco secured safety. Esteban Lepaul was one of the artisans of that campaign, and his goals massively contributed to securing their safety.
But he then left. There weren't the funds to replace him. Angers turned to their academy with Prosper Peter and Sidiki Cherif filling the void. The latter was particularly impressive in the first half of last season's Ligue 1 McDonald's campaign and was subsequently snatched up by Fenerbahce in January. But despite the recurrent setbacks, safety was once again comfortably assured.
🐟 Swept Rennes
🐟 Swept Monaco
🐟 A draw vs. PSG
🐟 Undefeated vs. Nice
🐟 Win over Lens
WHAT A SEASON, FC LORIENT 🟠⚫👏 pic.twitter.com/ARVZjGzCvy— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 14, 2026
Dujeux has shown himself adept at adapting and promoting youth development. He will now bring those expectations to a club whose ambition knows (almost) no limit.
Bill Foley's BKFC are now the majority shareholders at the Moustoir, although Loic Fery remains at the club as president. He has announced his ambitious plan for the club.
A strong core for Dujeux to work with
“The objective has always been European football,” Foley told L'Équipe. “I don’t know if that will be the Champions League. It is a very ambitious goal, but I don’t see any reason why we can’t be in the Europa League or the Europa Conference League. I’m not satisfied with playing a supporting role. My aspirations are high. We will play in Europe and we will make the necessary investment to make Lorient a serious actor in Ligue 1 McDonald's.”
Pantaloni's exit, given his success across his two-year spell, was a surprise, maybe even a cause for concern, but the arrival of Dujeux is reassuring, given his growing reputation as one of the most exciting young managers in France.
He will have a talented squad to work with, too. Whilst Bamba Dieng looks set to depart, the club will look to retain the likes of Arsene Kouassi, Arthur Avom, and Pablo Pagis, although doing so will be easier said than done.
In any case, there is investment and ambition at Lorient, and the appointment of the exciting Dujeux typifies that.
READ MORE
>> The 2026/27 Ligue 1 McDonald's calendar is released
