After a rather successful 2021-2022 season, the Chamois Niortais will once again have to fight to stay in Ligue 2 next season.
The Chamois Niortais are now used to Ligue 2. Back in the antechamber of the elite since 2012, Niort has always been able to stay in Ligue 2, despite 2 difficult seasons in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, where the club twice finished in 18th place. Only here it is: next season will not be like the others. With the 4 descents planned for the passage of the championship to 18 clubs, the battle will be even tougher. And the Chamois may be on waivers…
Important departures
Indeed, the Chamois Niortais squad recorded several important departures during this summer transfer window. The flagship departure is obviously that of Ibrahim Sissoko. The Malian international striker comes out of 2 successful exercises in Ligue 2, in 2019-2020 first (15 goals in 25 matches), then last season (24 matches, 10 achievements). It flew free towards Sochaux. In addition, one of the holders in the midfield, Dylan Louiserre, also left, on the side of Guingamp. We should also note the departures of Darlin Yongwa, the titular left side, who left for FC Lorient, and also that of Quentin Braat, 24-year-old goalkeeper, who flies to Oviedo in Spanish D2.
A weakened team?
Following these departures, the Chamois Niortais therefore had to recruit in order to arm themselves as well as possible for the difficult season which awaits the Ligue 2 clubs. However, the transfer window and the results during the preparation matches could well worry the supporters.
The 2 remarkable arrivals are those of Kevin Rocheteau, from Dunkirk, but especially that of Charles Kaboré, who signs free after his contract termination with Dynamo Moscow. At 34, the defensive midfielder will be able to bring his experience to the midfield. The Niortais have also recruited young Ryan Bakaoko (reserve from Montpellier), Dylan Duvriaux (reserve from Guingamp) and Amadou Sagna (Club NXT, Belgian second division).
However, it is the preparation that raises the most questions. Opposed to Guingamp in their first match, the Chamois lost 3-1. Subsequently, they faced the SCO of Angers, resident of Ligue 1. A meeting which ended in defeat, 2-1. Finally, their last match to date was a friendly against AC Ajaccio, newly promoted to Ligue 1. A match that again ended in a loss, 2-0. Niort will therefore have to raise his head, during his last friendly match, against Pau this Saturday, July 23. Because the start of the championship will come quickly, with the trip to the lawn of Annecy on July 30.
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