PSG defend league title ahead of resurgent Lyon and Monaco

The 2014-15 campaign was an exciting season by French football’s often low modern standards.

PSG finished eight points clear of Lyon, who enjoyed a successful campaign. Below them, there were just six points separating the next three sides in what would turn out to be an unusually close race for European football.

In the end, it was Monaco who claimed the Champions League spoils ahead of Marcelo Bielsa’s young and vibrant Marseille side. OM, with Saint-Etienne fifth on goal difference.

CHANGES

There were several changes both on and off the field, particularly at the top sides. No less than 7 teams changed managers towards the end of the previous campaign, with Marseille, Monaco, Lyon and Bordeaux bringing in fresh blood. Marseille in particular, opted for the boisterous and unpredictable Marcelo Bielsa in what was then lauded as a coup for French football.

Monaco meanwhile had begun a period of austerity, in stark contrast to their wild spending just 12 months ago. Claudio Ranieri was jettisoned despite a solid 2nd place showing in Les Monegasques’ first season back in the top-flight. His two stars were both quickly moved on too. James Rodriguez departed for Real Madrid in a high-profile post-World Cup move, while Falcao was also shipped to Manchester United, curiously on loan.

Monaco’s forced stop on their project was largely attributed to a costly divorce surrounding club president Dimitri Rybolovlev. Nevertheless, they did spend relatively wisely – bringing in Bernardo Silva on a permanent deal, Aymen Abdennour and Tiemoue Bakayoko – players who would play an integral part in Monaco’s surprise run to the Champions League.

Elsewhere in Ligue 1, PSG were relatively mute (by their own standards) – only the signing of David Luiz tided them over in the close window.

SEASON SUMMARY

The early part of the season belonged to Olympique de Marseille, who under Bielsa exploded into life with eight straight victories from Week 3 to Week 11, equalling a club record….

Source link : https://www.footballcritic.com/season-reviews/psg-defend-league-title-ahead-of-resurgent-lyon-and-monaco-ligue-1-in-2014-15/812

Author : [email protected] (Martin Macdonald)

Publish date : 2024-07-29 18:00:00

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