Arsenal have strengthened their squad by signing Ivory Coast forward Gervinho from Lille. A talented performer, Gervinho can be a difference-maker for the Gunners, if he can conquer his past inconsistent streak.
Anzhi’s Roberto Carlos has suffered through Russia’s racist minority, but the country is making progress towards eliminating a problem which could blight the 2018 World Cup they host.
Saint-Etienne ruled French football and despite 30 years passing since their last title, no team has yet to equal their Ligue 1 trophy haul. Les Verts also came close to lifting the European Cup.
France saw Lille lift their third Ligue 1 title this season and the 2010/11 campaign was unmistakably all about Rudi Garcia’s men. There were other stories too, but Les Dogues rightly take the lion’s share of the plaudits.
Auxerre started this season in the Champions League, but mixing it with the European elite seems a long time ago now. The French side have leaked goals regularly and slumped to a disappointing Ligue 1 campaign.
Claude Puel looks to be heading towards a good natured divorce from Lyon, but before the coach leaves he must secure Champions League football. For Lyon to miss out would shake the club to its foundations.
Montpellier may have lost the Coupe de la Ligue final to Marseille earlier this month, but the south coast outfit have made huge progress over the last three years. A trophy does not look too far away for Rene Girard’s men.
Franz Beckenbauer is a legend, associated only with success. After leading West Germany to the 1990 World Cup, he seemed set to soar even higher. But his spell at Marseille did not go smoothly.
The Ligue 1 title race has come down to a straight shoot-out between reigning champions Marseille and Lille. Rennes, Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon must put their own ambitions on hold until the 2011/12 campaign.
France’s display in last summer’s World Cup was nothing short of a national disgrace and the road to recovery looked rocky. New coach Laurent Blanc has smoothed their path back to the game’s summit however.
