Preview #8: FC Lorient
We continue our series of team-by-team capsule previews with FC Lorient, one of last season's surprise packages under Olivier Pantaloni. Now under former Angers boss Alexandre Dujeux, they'll look to continue their upward mobility in the 2026/27 season.
Last season:
While Lens were generally regarded as the side within the division that most over-performed expectations, Lorient weren't far behind with a top-half finish. Despite not making any major signings, the development of the likes of Arthur Avom, Pablo Pagis and Arsène Kouassi helped Les Merlus reel off a lengthy twelve-match unbeaten run. Memorable results included a pair of draws against PSG and an impressive home draw Marseille.
The coach: ALexandre dujeux
After working miracles by getting Angers promoted and then staying in the division, despite many of his best players departing and limited means, Dujeux has taken a step up by joining Lorient. While his more defensively oriented approach is different than the forward-thinking play espoused by Pantaloni, there's little doubt the Bretons will again be a handful for any opponent.
Key arrivals
There's been little to speak of in this department, even compared to last season. Former Nice youngster Gabin Bernardeau will be looked to for creativity, while a pair of loanees from abroad -- German midfielder Noah Mbamba (Bayer Leverkusen) and Senegalese winger Souleymane Faye (Sporting Club) will also be important.
Key departures
Pablo Pagis will be the most notable name on this list after a breakout season in which he scored ten goals in 28 league appearances, having decamped for Paris FC, but don't underestimate the impact that the departure of veterans like Laurent Abergel and Bamba Dieng (who also hit double digits) will have on this side. There's plenty of talent here, but somewhat of a dearth of experience.
remember when...
Despite being relegated in 2001/2 under Yvon Poulquien, Lorient nearly won a double, coming runners-up in the Coupe de la Ligue and winning the Coupe de France. To date their only major honor, they beat Bastia 1-0 in the final in a true duel of outsiders, with Jean-Claude Darcheville scoring the match's only goal.
cult hero: Christian Gourcuff
Although he played four seasons in midfield for Les Merlus, Gourcuff is best known at the Stade du Moustoir for his three spells -- totaling more than twenty years -- on the bench. Highly regarded for his dogged devotion to attacking football, he helped the club come up from the third tier and had an impressive run that included eight straight seasons in the top flight, five of which saw a top ten finish.
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