26/27 Preview #13: Paris FC

Last season

The overriding objective for Paris FC last season was simple: stay up. Having returned to Ligue 1 McDonald's after a 46-year absence, the capital club were entering unfamiliar territory despite the considerable resources behind their new project.

Their return was not always straightforward. Stéphane Gilli, the coach who had led the club to promotion, was dismissed in February as relegation fears began to grow, with experienced survival specialist Antoine Kombouaré brought in to replace him. The change had the desired effect. Paris FC steadied themselves during the run-in and eventually finished 11th, a comfortable 12 points above the relegation play-off position.

There were memorable moments along the way, not least against their neighbours. Paris FC knocked PSG out of the Coupe de France at the Parc des Princes in January before signing off their Ligue 1 campaign with a dramatic 2-1 derby victory at Jean-Bouin, Alimami Gory scoring twice late on.

Ilan Kebbal was once again at the heart of their best football. The Algeria international finished the Ligue 1 season with 13 combined goals and assists and remained the creative reference point of a side also strengthened by the experience of Moses Simon, Pierre Lees-Melou and, during the winter, Diego Coppola and Luca Koleosho.

A new era under Rosenior

Survival secured, Paris FC have opted for a different kind of coach this summer.

Liam Rosenior arrives with considerable knowledge of Ligue 1 after his impressive spell at RC Strasbourg, as well as the experience of his brief stint with Chelsea. The Englishman has signed until 2028 and has been chosen to oversee the next stage of a project that increasingly wants to look upwards rather than over its shoulder.

His arrival should also bring a recognisable change in approach. Rosenior favours sides comfortable in possession and willing to build patiently from deep, and Paris FC have recruited with that evolution in mind.

Pablo Pagis has arrived from Lorient after establishing himself in Ligue 1, while Lassine Sinayoko adds another proven option in attack following his move from Auxerre. Paris FC have also made the winter arrivals of Coppola and Koleosho permanent, while highly rated midfielder Patrick Zabi has joined the squad and France youth international Emmanuel Mbemba has crossed the capital from PSG.

The retirement of Ciro Immobile shortly before the start of the campaign removes one of the squad's most experienced figures, but Paris FC now possess considerably more mobility and variety in the final third.

Player to watch: Pablo Pagis

Pagis could prove particularly well suited to Rosenior's football. The 23-year-old arrives after becoming an important player at Lorient and has already made an immediate impression in his new surroundings. He scored on his first pre-season appearance against Reims before netting twice in a 2-2 draw with Champions League-qualified Como.

Technically sharp, intelligent between the lines and capable of operating across the attack, Pagis adds another dimension alongside Kebbal, Simon, Koleosho and Sinayoko. He could quickly become one of the faces of this new-look Paris FC.

What to expect

Paris FC are no longer simply the intriguing newcomers. Their first objective will remain establishing themselves permanently in Ligue 1, but the nature of their summer suggests that expectations are already evolving. Rosenior has inherited a squad with more top-flight experience than it possessed 12 months ago and has been given several young players capable of developing alongside the project.

A European challenge may still be premature, particularly during the first months of another tactical transition, but Paris FC should expect to improve on last season's 11th-place finish. After spending year one proving that they belong, year two could be about discovering just how quickly they can climb.

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