On the eve of the start of their season against Reims (Saturday, 8 PM), the Aiglons are moving forward cautiously, led by their new coach, Patrick Vieira.
TRANSFER MARKET: AN OFFENSE NOT YET READY
The summer saga revolves around the departure of Mario Balotelli, the (once again) Italian international striker who revived his career at the Gym. Although he has been given the green light to leave, he has not yet found a new destination. Only Olympique de Marseille has shown interest, but there has been no real negotiation.
This on-again, off-again departure to the rival club, coupled with his absence at the start of July, has not allowed him to leave on a high note after two years at the Gym. He has alienated many supporters and it seems that Patrick Vieira, who succeeded Lucien Favre in early June, no longer really counts on him, even though he is included in the group.
His replacement is still unknown. While there is no worry about the recruitment department, the timing is problematic. The Gym will start the season without knowing who will be at the forefront of their attack. Balotelli? He will be suspended. Le Bihan (who prepared with the team)? Possible.
As for departures, three key players left the club this summer. Maxime Le Marchand and Jean-Michaรซl Seri joined Fulham, promoted to the Premier League. Alassane Plรฉa moved to Borussia Mรถnchengladbach. Not to forget Marlon’s departure, recalled by FC Barcelona, Saรฏd Benrahma’s move to Brentford (where he joins Neal Maupay), and Arnaud Lusamba’s loan to Cercle Brugge.
As for arrivals, there are currently three: Danilo Barbosa was the first to join the Gym from Braga, followed by Christophe Hรฉrelle (Troyes) and Youcef Atal (KV Kortrijk). Olivier Boscagli, Mouez Hassen, and Gautier Lloris have returned from their respective loans and have joined the squad.
FRIENDLY MATCHES: A MIXED RECORD
In terms of numbers, the record of the Gym’s friendly matches is rather unfavorable: one win, one draw, and three losses for the Aiglons. They have scored six goals and conceded nine.
But despite this, the quality of play displayed is quite encouraging. The new recruits are well integrated and promising. The arrival of one or possibly two offensive players should complete Patrick Vieira’s first summer on the Gym bench. Initial answers will come on Saturday evening, for the reception of Reims, at the Allianz Riviera (8 PM).
