Auxerre - injuries & suspensions October 2026

Auxerre finished last season 15th in Ligue 1 and only secured their top-flight status on the final day. A 2:0 win over Lille allowed Christophe Pélissier’s side to avoid relegation, but the club decided to change coaches over the summer anyway. Will Still took charge, and the squad underwent significant changes. Auxerre will be aiming for a calmer season this time around, although the new coach has plenty of work ahead of him.

Will Still begins a new chapter

34-year-old Will Still returns to Ligue 1 after spells with Reims and Lens. Most recently, he managed Southampton, and he has signed a two-year contract with Auxerre, with an option to extend it by a further season. He is known for his high press and desire to take the initiative on the pitch. In that respect, his approach may differ from what the team became accustomed to under Pélissier. Still does not intend to change everything from day one, however. Auxerre will continue to play in the 4-3-3 formation they also used last season.

A rebuild in goal and defence

One of the most significant departures was that of Donovan Léon. The Auxerre academy graduate had represented the club for years, but has now moved to Saudi Arabia. Mamadou Diop, signed from Grenoble, is expected to take his place. Experienced goalkeeper Paul Nardi is also in the squad. Christ Makosso from Luton Town and Axel Tuanzebe, who joined after leaving Burnley, have strengthened the centre of defence. There have also been changes at full-back. Gideon Mensah left for Köln, while Paul Joly was sold to Kaiserslautern. After all these changes, the defenders may need time to build a strong partnership and get used to playing together.

Sinayoko departs as the attack looks for a replacement

The biggest blow to the attack is the transfer of Lassine Sinayoko to Paris FC. The Mali international scored 12 goals last season and netted twice in the final game against Lille to keep Auxerre up. He was not only a prolific striker, but also a player who worked for the team and knew how to exploit space. Replacing him will be one of the new coach’s toughest tasks.

Auxerre have kept Danny Namaso, making his move from FC Porto permanent after his loan spell. The Cameroon international scored three goals in 30 Ligue 1 appearances last season and will get another chance. Cameron Archer has also joined the attack on loan from Southampton, as has Rémy Labeau-Lascary from Lens. Romain Faivre remains with the team and will spend another season at Auxerre on loan from Bournemouth.

Changes in midfield

Auxerre have also strengthened their midfield. Arthur Piedfort arrived from Westerlo, Sékou Fofana joined from Lausanne-Sport, and Pierre-Emmanuel Ekwah has been loaned from Saint-Étienne. All three will compete for a place in the starting XI, giving the coach more options in midfield. Much will depend, however, on how quickly the new arrivals settle in. Elisha Owusu also left over the summer, moving to Turkish side Erzurumspor. His departure gives the new players an opportunity to earn an important role from the very start of the season.

Avoiding another relegation battle

Last season showed how close Auxerre came to relegation. They secured their top-flight status in their final match, so this time the club will want to avoid a similarly tense finish. The change of coach and numerous signings offer the chance for a fresh start, but also mean the team will have to adapt to a reshaped squad. If the new players settle into their roles quickly, Auxerre could even challenge for a mid-table finish. For now, avoiding a repeat of last season’s dramatic finale will matter more than setting distant ambitions.