Angers finished last season’s Ligue 1 campaign in 13th place, but it would be difficult to call it an entirely successful season. The team scored just 29 goals and was among the league’s least prolific sides. There was a change of coach over the summer. Alexandre Dujeux was replaced by Stéphane Gilli, who had previously secured promotion to Ligue 1 with Paris FC. Angers once again had to tread carefully in the transfer market. The club cannot afford an expensive rebuild, and a mid-table finish does not mean it can spend freely.

Gilli takes charge

For Gilli, this will be another stage in his career in French football. He achieved an important goal at Paris FC by earning promotion to Ligue 1, although the end of his spell at the club was not among the best. At Angers, he will not inherit a team ready to challenge near the top. Above all, he must ensure the side avoids the kind of trouble that affected teams in the lower half of the table last season.

The biggest problem remains the attack. Angers rarely scored more than once in a match, and with that kind of output, even solid defending is not always enough to pick up points. Gilli must find a way to improve that record, despite not having an unlimited budget at his disposal.

Lopes in goal, van den Boomen in midfield

Hervé Koffi returned to Lens after his loan spell ended, and Angers brought in Anthony Lopes from Nantes to replace him. The Portuguese goalkeeper has extensive Ligue 1 experience and was Lyon’s first-choice keeper for many years. This is one of those signings that should not require a long adjustment period in French football.

Branco van den Boomen is the new face in midfield, having joined Angers after a previous loan spell. The Dutchman, who was previously with Ajax, has signed a three-year contract. His strengths are his passing and set-piece delivery. If van den Boomen settles in well, he could play a significant role in improving the team’s attacking play.

Find a new goalscorer

Angers have lost Sidiki Cherif, who moved to Fenerbahçe. His sale brings income to the club, but on the pitch they will need to find someone to take on some of the young striker’s responsibilities. Jacques Ekomié has also left for Wrexham. Amine El Ouazzani, on loan from Braga, and Usman Simbakoli from RWDM Brussels have joined the attack. Anthony Bermont has arrived on loan from Lens. The club have also signed Joseph Kalulu from Pau, while Jim Allevinah has returned after playing in Turkey.

The new forwards will be judged above all on their goals. Last season, Angers found the net too rarely to feel comfortable looking at the league table. El Ouazzani is expected to help in the penalty area, but the team also needs better link-up play between the forwards and the rest of the side.

Lower spending, more opportunities for young players

Angers cannot compete financially with most of their Ligue 1 rivals. The club’s hierarchy want to keep costs down and put greater emphasis on the academy. The reserve team has been disbanded, with the money saved set to go towards youth development and preparing young players for first-team football.

This approach means the club will continue to sell players if suitable offers come in. Cherif is one example. At the same time, Angers must ensure that more players are ready to step in at senior level. Not every young player will immediately cope with Ligue 1, so the coach will need to choose carefully when to give them opportunities.

A safe position is the target for the new season

Angers must improve their finishing and avoid long winless runs. Gilli has new options up front, an experienced goalkeeper and a midfielder who could improve the team’s build-up play. Regular goals could help them secure their place in the league comfortably, but if the team continues to waste chances, even good performances may not be enough. A limited budget makes it difficult to strengthen the squad during the season, so a good start and points from the opening rounds will be particularly important.