Ligue 1: Montpellier bets on Dall’Oglio (and Sakho) to pass the course of Europe

Olivier Dall’Oglio is preparing to open a new chapter in Montpellier. With a European objective? “The players, who have flirted with Europe, want it. They’re here for that“, launched at the end of June the successor of Michel Der Zakarian.”If we can go, we’ll go. We are not going to deprive ourselves of it“, he added on the occasion of the resumption of training. After having made his hand in Dijon (2012-2018), then in Brest (2019-2021), modest candidates for maintenance, the ‘Alésien, back in his native region, benefits from a great opportunity after having answered the call of President Laurent Nicollin, eager to turn the page Der Zakarian (2017-2021) and to see higher.

At 57 years old, the former Dijonnais, named best coach in Ligue 2 in 2016, can achieve recognition late in the day and enhance his flattering reputation as a technician focused on play and attack. “It is what we were looking for for the next two or three seasons. He comes to support our team and our young players, the basis of our work and project. Only the results will tell if it was right to get married. He’s already a good person, he’s a competent coach who has proven himself in Dijon or Brest. It is not always easy to raise the clubs and maintain them“, recently assured Laurent Nicollin, who had made Dall’Oglio his priority at the expense of Sabri Lamouchi or Laurent Batlles (Troyes).

Pedagogue, good communicator and a long time trainer, in Nîmes, then in Dijon, Olivier Dall’Oglio also has for mission to highlight the young people of a club known for its training … And to remedy the criticisms formulated under the era Der Zakarian.

In the midst of budgetary uncertainty, under the effect of the health crisis and the uncertainty of L1’s TV rights, Montpellier released many players (Hilton, Congré, Le Tallec, Yun Il-lok, Dolly) to relieve its payroll and operate a call for air in young people. At the same time, it has expanded its technical support, in particular entrusting Romain Pitau with the task of monitoring young people in post-training.

“We will learn to work together, get to know each other and build a team. We would have liked to do it with better financial means, namely without the Covid and without the worries of TV rights. We have to deal with it, we adapt“, remarks Laurent Nicollin. During four seasons, Michel Der Zakarian had stabilized Montpellier in the first half of classification, restored a credit but failed to break the glass ceiling of Europe. Never far from a qualification, but always at the edge.

Sakho, a nice shot

Sign of a shared ambition, the two strongmen of Montpellier managed a nice blow in their recruitment by repatriating the former French international Mamadou Sakho. The former central defender of Liverpool (2013-2017) and Crystal Place (2017-2021), trained at PSG, will be the keystone of a defense reshaped in the offseason and crumbly last season (62 goals conceded) .

While waiting for the recovery of Pedro Mendes, convalescent after knee surgery in early May, Sakho will form an unprecedented hinge alongside the Brazilian Matheus Thuler, on loan from Flamengo. “Through his experience and his background, this high-level player is there to command the defense“, hopes Dall’Oglio. Flagship rookie of the offseason, Sakho will have to take over from former captain Vitorino Hilton, retired at over 43, and Daniel Congré, another locker room leader left free and relaunched in Dijon.

Failing to engage the ex-Montpellier Benjamin Stambouli, gone to Turkey (Adana Demirspor), Dall’Oglio is still waiting for a sentry to consolidate his defensive base, harmonize his organization in 4-4-2 and give full measure to the potential offensive around new captain Andy Delort. Enough to see higher and believe in Europe?