Author: David Gold

France’s Clairefontaine Acadmy has few equals in world football and can surely rival Barcelona’s famous La Masia school. The talents to pass through are impressive and more are on the way.

Arles-Avignon are having a nightmare season and are certain to drop down to Ligue 2. However, the story behind their shambolic campaign is more than just the usual tale of struggle.

Lille vs Lyon has all the makings of a title decided in France’s Ligue 1. And while Lille top the table, Lyon are going from strength to strength. We preview the match.

Herbert Chapman changed football forever as Arsenal manager, and had he not died suddenly then more silverware would have flowed. He is deserving of his place as a great of the game.

Beitar Jerusalem have been spoiled in recent years, with a rich owner’s cash ensuring an exciting time at the Teddy Stadium. But now budget cutbacks and managerial instability are taking their toll.

Lyon had a dreadful start to their Ligue 1 campaign, but things turned round quickly after September. Now, back in the title race, manager Claude Puel will hope a lack of goals does not dent their challenge.

The Vichy regime which ruled France during the Second World War was the most revolutionary football has seen. And its impact on the beautiful game is still felt to this day.

Strasbourg have a proud history of competing at French football’s top table and picking up silverware. However, a spiral of decline has sucked them into the country’s third tier and they do not look like bouncing back.

AS Monaco have seen a steady decline both on and off the pitch since the club reached the Champions League final in 2004. And despite new-old coach Laurent Banide fighting hard, battles must be won in the boardroom too.

Arsenal have long been a youthful team, with manager Arsene Wenger making the development of young talents his trademark. But has he neglected experience doing so?