When they clinched promotion to Ligue 1 in May 2012, Troyes knew for sure that they would have a mountain to climb in order to manage survival in the top flight. Returning to Ligue 1 for the first time since 2007, the team from Champagne region had the lowest budget in the division and arguably one of the weakest squads around.
Despite this handicap, however, they proved to be one of the most enjoyable teams to watch in the league. Managed by Jean-Marc Furlan, whose motto has always been to prioritise attractive football over the pressure of result, ESTAC remained true to their playing philosophy throughout the season, which would gain them plaudits but also seal their fate in a league where defensive solidity remains an essential component for success and safety. Never out of the relegation zone, even a final rally of four wins in the last six games could not drag them to safety.
Troyes’ main flaw was their inability to hold on to a result. Furlan’s team dropped way too many points in the closing stages of important matches. And, ironically, their final defeat of the season in Valenciennes was decided by a goal at the 88th minute, reflecting their difficulties and sending them back to the second tier of French football.
It is difficult to find a turning point in Troyes’ season, but if one game could illustrate all of Troyes’s difficulties this season, it would probably the defeat in Marseille in March: having managed to score an away goal at the 71st minute, Troyes could have locked the shop and parked the bus in order to get a superb result at one of Ligue 1’s powerhouses. Instead, they continued going forward and, typically, they were punished with two goals in two minutes in the latter stages of the game.
Troyes did well in the cups, reaching the quarter-finals of the League Cup and the semi-finals of the Coupe de France. But, again, they crumbled and ended up being defeated in games they could have won with a more calculated approach. Nobody could blame them, however, for trying to play the beautiful game the way it was first conceived: a game of skills and free-flowing football.
While Yohann Thuram-Ulien proved himself as one of the most talented young goalkeepers in the league, attracting the attention of most clubs in the top flight with his repeated good performances, another player showed particular brilliance and influence on the field. For his seventeenth season as a professional, 36-year old captain Benjamin Nivet was Troyes’ leading force throughout the season. The midfielder scored ten goals, created a few, and proved himself as the key player, distributing the play beautifully from the heart of midfield. Nivet affirmed himself as yet another proof that footballers can continue improving towards excellence well in their thirties!
As the ESTAC returns to Ligue 2, they will be sorely missed for their enthusiastic and refreshing approach to football. It might be difficult for Troyes to hope for a return to the top flight anytime soon. However, with the experience gained during the past season and the continued presence of Jean Marc Furlan at the helm, there is still hope they could return in the near future, and delight us once again with their playing style and a little bit of Champagne football.
FINAL POSITION: 19th
Review by @Puchkin_B