Laurent Koscielny says Lorient face significant squad turnover | OneFootball

Laurent Koscielny signalled a major rebuild at Lorient as the club opened pre-season alongside new head coach Alexandre Dujeux, with significant squad turnover expected under BKFC ownership.

The pair addressed the media on Tuesday, Dujeux replacing Olivier Pantaloni. According to L'Équipe, the immediate aim is to settle the side in Ligue 1 after finishing 10th last season.

Captain Laurent Abergel has joined Nice after seven seasons, a move the club say they respected. Further departures follow loan or contract expiries, including Bamo Meïté, Dermane Karim, Igor Silva, Darlin Yongwa, Sambou Soumano and Bamba Dieng. Dieng, joint top scorer with Pablo Pagis on 10 goals, was offered an extension but proved unaffordable within Lorient’s financial limits.

Pagis has one year left and, at this stage, has no offers, with the club prepared to assess opportunities that suit all parties. Recruitment has begun with right-back Alec Georgen, 27, arriving on a free from Dunkerque.

Koscielny says the squad needs fresh blood and new personalities to avoid stagnation, and he expects considerable churn. Dujeux could see two or three additions in each department.

He added that the market is complicated by widespread staff changes and the World Cup, which is delaying business. He senses real ambition from the ownership, accepts there are no certainties, and believes the club will strive to give him the best possible group to optimise.

Source: L'Équipe