Montpellier - Hello France

Mixed Emotions

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So after thrashing of Velez we move onto our opening game against P$G undeniably the title favorites. They just have too much money. Its a home tie which gives us something. I would love a nice win but, more expecting a draw. After that we Guingamp (who have just recently been promoted), Sochaux and OGC Nice. A decent round of games. All we will have to fight for. Especially as we haven't had much game practice within the squad in the preseason. Along with all these fixtures we have the end of the transfer window. Let's see what happens.

Games
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Ligue 1 Table
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Transfers In
Andersen from Manchester United to fill the gap in the Midfield. Also adds some Competition


Champions League Group Draw
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Summary
So a decent start. Again though a little disappointed with the loss against P$G. I lucky goal from them on the 55th. Nice wins against Guingamp and Sochaux. A good draw against a good confident OGC Nice side. A good signing with Andersen to help add to the squad. We missed out on signing Sebastien Corchia though. That hurt he is a quality Right back. But a definite tough group in the Champions league.

September Player of the Month: Clement Grenier
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Why are you up here?

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The real season opening up now with games flying in left right and center. September was an average month no top table clubs to play in the Ligue so I expected it to be a crucial month to pick up some valuable points. It also had our first game of the Champions League against Benfica. I was not sure how to take Benfica since we never have played them, and sometimes they dismantle good teams.

October was the harder month as we had to play both Juventus and Manchester away. Not to mention a few tough games against some good Ligue 1 sides. Such as Monaco, Lille, Renais and Ajaccio. (Personally I think Ajaccio can be a good team when they want to be).

Games
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Ligue 1 Table
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Group F Table CL
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Summary
We are doing well in the Ligue. Yet in the Champions League we are just getting out classed. Our Manchester United game was close and we winning until Fellaini (@ManU Now) thought that Shawcross was in the box, and accidentally headed the ball into the back of the net. TWICE. Now that we have home games coming up in the Group stage maybe we can press on and try to win a couple. Which could get us in the top two. If we do finish 3rd at least we will have a shot at Europa.
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September and October Player of the Month: Jack Collison
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He has been quality both months now. Can't think of a person that more deserves it.

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Above Expectation

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The start of November came which brought us further into the Champions League group stage. Our insane group was shuffling and turning like no other. With Juve and United as clear favorites I had to tell myself to be happy with a 3rd place. In case of that we would drop into the Europa in which I would expect to win. After losing to those two it was looking more and more likely that we would be put into that position. Our first game against United at home would be an excellent chance to tilt that expectation. Along with the Champions League we hard a fair few hard game in the Ligue against Bordeaux, OM and Toulouse.

December was another month to gain valuable points. With only hard games against Lyon and Juve. So as I said a good way to gain points and charge up the table. Where we could push Toulouse and Monaco off their dominant position. Yet they do have the upper hand of not being in any major European football.

Games
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Ligue 1 Table
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Champions League Group F Table
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Transfer In (Joker Window)
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Joins the club to add to the defence. Probably going to be someone leaving in the January Window. That isn't French.

Summary
So I am absolutely chuffed about our wins in the Group Stage. Putting us in the top spot. With a better chance of drawing an easier team. Which we did, Valencia. Along with the wins in the Ligue which puts us in a great position of 1st. Although we have to be wary of P$G who have a few games in hand. The signing of Umtiti was great he has yet to make a huge difference but, I am certain he will soon. I am training him to become a solid Left Back.

November Player of the Month: Marko Marin
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December Player of the Month: Federico Santander
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First January Signing

Sebastien Corchia
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Joining the club from an under achieving Sochaux-Montbe for 15m pounds! After much speculation and an attempt earlier in the summer transfer window Corchia has finally joined Montpellier.

An Interview with Ward was held shortly after:

You aren't French enough

(says the Englishman) http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/worldfootball/clubfootball/01/67/17/62/1671762_full-lnd.jpg

After the signing of Corchia I was looking to find a new home for Garry Bocaly along with other internationals like Ait Fana and Santander... San...tander? What? Yes the best goal scorer on the team right now but here I will explain my decision for this. He isn't french and I have a 19 year old monster who is on loan doing damage in Ligue 2. This where I though to me self why not get rid of Santander and play this younger FRENCH prospect (who incidentally is expected to rival the credentials of Lionel Messi) also a lot cheaper!

Onto the games we have the next few months. January was a quiet one minus the game against Monaco which helped me focus on making good transfers. February was a different matter games against OM, Valencia and Saint-Etienne made this a difficult month.

Transfers
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Florian Thauvin joined for 7m more than half to be payed off over 2 years. Position AMRLC.
Yaya Sanogo goes on loan to Malaga to get some first team football
Garry Bocaly goes on loan to Lyon future transfer clause.
Federico Santander goes on loan to Ajax with the clause of a future transfer.

Games
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Ligue 1 Table
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Champions League First Round
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Summary
Closing in on the end of the season now and sitting in 2nd place. Not bad. I won't mind to much if we end up 2nd but obviously I'd like to have a go at 1st for the third season in a row. Other than that a draw with Valencia was nice. Going to take it to them at home. In the domestic cups we are doing well and are in the finals against P$G for the Coupe de la Ligue cup.

January and February player of the month: Benjamin Stambouli
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