TOULOUSE: Mission Impossible

By: Sam | August 2nd, 2007

As the start of the season looms, it’s time for the France Offside to give you an in-depth look at each of the 20 teams vying for Hexagoal. Today, we meet Toulouse FC, the team that will not live up to last year’s achievements. Period.

The team: When against all the odds, your club stumbles into the Champions League with a not-even-that-good roster, you’d think the only thing to do would be to beef it up. Toulouse doesn’t. Bringing in André-Pierre Gignac from Lorient was a good thing, and the arrivals of Ilunga, Jönsson, and Cetto will give them a boost in Ligue 1, but don’t count on them being a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League. On the other hand, not many players have left the fold. Pavel Fort was recently loaned to FC Bruxelles of Belgium, and Bonnet to Sedan. Lucien Aubey left permanently for Lens, but besides those three not much has happened.

The team: The goalkeeper position is filled without the shadow of a doubt at Téfécé, with the presence of Nicolas Douchez. After being Christophe Revault’s second fiddle, he’s now solidified his reputation as a smart pillar within the squad. Albin Ebondo, Herita Ilunga and Paulo César are very competent fullbacks, and Mauro Cetto has shown himself to be a calm and effective centerback at Nantes. Jérémy Mathieu can play centerback as well as holding midfielder, and his skill is beginning to earn him the courting of big-time clubs. Many are wondering how much Dominique Arribagé will be able to play this season, what with his age becoming a huge factor. Laurent Batlles and Fabinho are a pair of usually-alright wingers, but TFC’s midfield strenght can be found in the middle. Nicolas Dieuze is a vigilant holder, Achille Emana had a great season last year, and Nabil Taïder and Pantxi Serieix offer decent help when needed. Up front is the area in which Toulouse find their best hopes. Of course, Johan Elmander is now one of the most talked-about strikers in the league and will be in the entire continent if carries Téfécé to the group stages. Fodé Mansaré found his place last season and will continue to build upon it. Santos, who only played four games due to injury, is a mystery. Gignac will have to fight for playing time, especially with Bryan Bergougnoux lounging around as well.

This is a good enough side for domestic competition, but big names lack. And big names count on club footie’s biggest stage.

The coach: Élie Baup, “The Coach With The Cap”. A native of the area, Baup coached TFC’s youth team from 1984 to 1991, all the while donning a baseball cap at all times. Going from Bordeaux (where he won the league in 1998) to Saint-Étienne and back to Toulouse, he brought the latter team to the Champions League in his first season with the club. Impressive to say the least.

The stadium: Le Stadium. A straight-up honest soccer/rugby stadium in the middle of Rugbyland, France. A 35,000-person capacity is rarely needed, but Toulouse’s supporters are among the most pride-oriented groups in the country, which always makes for some fun alcterations with Bordeaux.

The final say: They won’t repeat. If they play their cards right, an Intertoto Cup spot could be reached. But I won’t even pick them to do that.