They expected more from Montpellier last season, but the team did not have enough to break into the European competition zone. For 38 rounds the “paladins” chalked up 14 victories and 12 draws, which brought 54 points and eighth place in the standings. In the last three rounds, the Orange-Blues drew with Brest (0:0) and outplayed Strasbourg (3:2) and Nantes (2:1). On June 1st the team was led by Olivier Dal’Oglio. Mamadou Sako from Crystal Palace and Leo Leroy from Chateauroux came as free agents.
The highest achievement of a newcomer in the French Major League is considered to be reaching the semifinals of the French Cup, although the team achieved such success 75 years ago. Last year the team from Clermont-Ferrand managed to reach second place in Ligue2, which brought the coveted ticket to the elite championship. For 38 rounds the “ruby-blue” recorded 21 victories and nine peaceful outcomes. The result of the performances was 72 points, which is five less than the league champion. In the last five matches the team achieved four victories, but unexpectedly stumbled at the finish line in the game with Kan (1:2). Newcomers include Sema Turkmen from Bayer and Elbasan Rashani from Erzurmuspor.
