Le Mans aim to cement top-flight return under Patrick Videira | OneFootball

Back in Ligue 1 after 16 years, Le Mans are leaning on head coach Patrick Videira, widely backed by players and fans, to turn two strong seasons into survival.

According to L'Équipe, the promoted side also trust their recruits, notably Billal Brahimi, who already knows the club.

Brahimi, 26, returned on a free this summer. Loaned by Reims in 2019, he produced 12 goals and 9 assists in National. After a tough year between Brazil and Portugal, he played one match for Santos and four for Estrela Amadora.

Videira says Brahimi’s talent must serve the team, and notes he brings the squad’s strongest Ligue 1 experience. Used as a wing-back and in midfield in pre-season, he could also operate behind the striker.

Demand has surged. Before returning to Ligue 1 at Marie-Marvingt, the club set a record 13,500 season tickets, then closed sales to leave seats for general sale. Last season there were 3,789 subscribers and an average crowd of 12,027 in Ligue 2.

Le Mans’ best Ligue 1 finish is ninth in 2007-08 under Rudi Garcia, with standouts including Stéphane Sessegnon, Gervinho and Tulio de Melo, who scored 13 goals. After administrative relegation in 2013 for financial reasons, the club restarted in DH and climbed six times, including three straight promotions from National 3 to Ligue 2 between 2016 and 2019. Relegated to National in 2020, Le Mans have since earned two further promotions across the past two seasons.

Source: L'Équipe

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