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Season Preview #18: Toulouse FC

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.
George Boxall
Published on 08/15/2024 at 17:30
2-minute read
Toulouse are hoping to build upon their mid-table finish last season...

Toulouse FC

Founded: 1970

Stadium: Stadium de Toulouse

Nickname(s): TFC, Les Violets, Le Téfécé, Le Tef

Manager: Carles Martínez Novell

An experienced youth manager in his early coaching career at Espanyol, Carles Martínez Novell would go on to help manage youth teams in Barcelona's famous La Masia in 2015. Following a spell with Qatari club Al-Rayyan, the Spaniard would be appointed as assistant manager and 'head of methodology' under Philippe Montanier. He helped Les Violets as they earned promotion to Ligue 1 and followed up with a Coupe de France win in the 2022-2023 season. That same summer he would succeed Montanier as manager, leading TFC through their first European campaign for 12 years in his first season at the club. Following a memorable win against Liverpool but being eliminated at the Europa League knockout play-off stage, Martinez Novell would go on to lead Toulouse to a respectable 11th place finish at the end of last season. 

Last Season: 11th, Ligue 1

Cult Hero: Vincent Sierro 

A quality midfielder is needed for any great team. For Les Violets, Vincent Suazo is far more than that. The Swiss international midfielder joined Toulouse in January of 2023, but had to bide his time before getting his chance to shine ahead of Spierings and Van Den Boomen. Carles Martínez Novell, he became a key figure in TFC's midfield - so much so that he became the club's captain last season. Last season the Swiss international played 41 games for Toulouse before receiving a call-up for Switzerland's Euro 2024 campaign.

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Key Arrivals / Departures

With two permanent signings and a flurry of outgoings, it's safe to say that Martinez Novell is trying to slim down his squad ahead of the 2024-2025 season. Charlie Cresswell has joined the club from English Championship side Leeds United following the departures of Anthony Roualt and Mousssa Diarra. Djibril Sidibé also arrives to add experience to a new-look backline which would have otherwise lacked maturity, following the departures of Mikkel Desler and Christian Mawissa. Thijs Dallinga's departure to Girona leaves only Frank Magri up front for Les Violets.

Season Outlook

A slimmed down squad puts the onus on the style of play for Martinez Novell's side, who are looking to creep into the top ten in Ligue 1 this season. If they are to do so, they'll have to improve defensively over the next few months - hoping that it could be their best form of attack. Some astute signings in some key areas do bring reassurance however, as TFC aim for another mid table finish this season.

Likely XI: Restes, Sidibé, Cresswell, Nicolaisen, Suazo; Sierro, Casseres, Shmidt; Aboukhlal, Magri, Gboho

Photo Credit: Toulouse FC

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