Explore the unique challenges of managing in Ligue 1 on FM24, from nurturing French wonderkids to challenging PSG's dominance.
Unlock Potential: Managing Ligue 1 in Football Manager 2024
In Football Manager, each league has their own unique set of challenges. From seemingly unassailable champions to wide-open title races; epic rivalries and bitter derbies. The French top division, Ligue 1, is one of the most fascinating leagues in Europe; and therefore one of the most interesting saves in FM24. This article will explain why Ligue 1 is such an exciting league, and which clubs you should consider for your next French save.
Wonderkids
To start with the thing we’re all obsessed with: youth development. The French National side is arguably the best in the world right now, and that is reflected in the plethora of young talent available in Ligue 1. From imperious defenders, marauding full-backs, mercurial playmakers and lethal strikers; the French are currently producing talent all across the pitch at a frightening rate. By jumping into a Ligue 1 save, you can be part of the growth of a nation, and help harness this young talent to boost the profile of French domestic football.
Here’s the kicker: unlike many countries, France’s young talent isn’t consolidated to a few clubs. Of course, PSG have some of the best facilities in the game, but there’s wonderkids at Lyon, Lorient, Nice, Rennes, Monaco etc. so wherever you choose to manage there’s a bright future.
READ ALSO: Football Manager 2024 Wonderkids Shortlist
Yes, PSG loom over French football with menace. They’re the best side on paper, and in practice, they’ll punish almost every side with no regard for your precious side. Aside from PSG rolling over everyone in sight, there aren’t any other giants snapping at their heels. So, while that makes the title race something of a one-horse race, the race for the European spots is wide open and filled with plenty of drama. You’ll need to be sharp and capitalise on your enemy’s mistakes; because they’ll capitalise on yours.
Once you’ve taken on the rest, take on the best. Finishing second in France is one thing, beating PSG to the title is another thing entirely. However, if you can do do with your significantly smaller budget, it’s one of the most satisfying results in Football Manager.
Exciting League - With one giant
Yes, PSG loom over French football with menace. They’re the best side on paper, and in practice, they’ll punish almost every side with no regard for your precious side. Aside from PSG rolling over everyone in sight, there aren’t any other giants snapping at their heels. So, while that makes the title race something of a one-horse race, the race for the European spots is wide open and filled with plenty of drama. You’ll need to be sharp and capitalise on your enemy’s mistakes; because they’ll capitalise on yours.
Once you’ve taken on the rest, take on the best. Finishing second in France is one thing, beating PSG to the title is another thing entirely. However, if you can do do with your significantly smaller budget, it’s one of the most satisfying results in Football Manager.
READ ALSO: Sleeping Giants to Awake in Football Manager 2024
In real life, Ligue 1 has been in danger of dropping out of Europe’s top 5 leagues for some time. Aside from PSG, performances in continental competition has been underwhelming for some time, and this is beginning to negatively affect France’s standing in the domestic game. While you can count on PSG doing their part, by taking over another European side in France and dragging them back into relevance, you can boost the entire profile of the league (making it easier to keep your carefully crafted side of homegrown wonderkids).
You’re convinced. You’re ready to launch your French dynasty and take on one of Europe’s most interesting leagues. But who should you manage?
Stade Rennais - or Rennes - have been a club on the rise for some time. With elite facilities and a healthy emphasis on developing young prospects, Rennes are arguably best-placed to take control of Ligue 1 and push PSG. In Arnaud Kalimuendo, Adrien Truffert, Desiré Doue and Fabian Rieder, you have some of the hottest prospects in the country, and a side well-placed for beautiful possession football to take on the continent. With decent financial backing and a passionate fan base, the Rennes Revolution is ready to begin.
Strasbourg have had a uniquely tumultuous past. As a club, they have changed nationality three times between French and German, located in the picturesque region of Alsace. However, their fortunes as a footballing entity have been equally turbulent. As one of six clubs to have won all three of France’s major honours, Strasbourg have a place in the history of French football. Despite their stature, financial irregularities have led to a great period of instability since the 1980s, culminating in the club’s relegation to the fifth tier of French football.
Their return to the top table has been anything but smooth, but thanks largely to their newfound links with Chelsea, a period of prosperity is finally on the horizon. With wonderkids such as Abakar Sylla, Habib Diarra and Abdoul Outtara, can you be the manager to finally return silverware to Alsace?
While much of the appeal of a save in France is the opportunity to topple PSG and end their dominance before tackling the continent, some of us lack that patience. Why battle to become top dog in France when you can start your save that way??
PSG aren’t just equipped to dominate France. Their riches are well-documented, and their facilities and first team squad match that abundance. However, despite their surprisingly successful academy, first team success for youth players has been thin on the ground since the arrival of their big money benefactors. For PSG, the challenge isn’t simply to take on Europe - that’s easy. You must grow the French domestic and national game. The greatest league in the world and a World Cup winning squad will with PSG academy players is within your reach, if you’re willing to work for it.
There are plenty of reasons to begin a career in France. Whether you’re into nurturing young talent, or splashing the cash as a European giant; the opportunity for an elite save is in Ligue 1. Bon chance!
Coefficient
In real life, Ligue 1 has been in danger of dropping out of Europe’s top 5 leagues for some time. Aside from PSG, performances in continental competition has been underwhelming for some time, and this is beginning to negatively affect France’s standing in the domestic game. While you can count on PSG doing their part, by taking over another European side in France and dragging them back into relevance, you can boost the entire profile of the league (making it easier to keep your carefully crafted side of homegrown wonderkids).
You’re convinced. You’re ready to launch your French dynasty and take on one of Europe’s most interesting leagues. But who should you manage?
Stade Rennais
RC Strasbourg
Their return to the top table has been anything but smooth, but thanks largely to their newfound links with Chelsea, a period of prosperity is finally on the horizon. With wonderkids such as Abakar Sylla, Habib Diarra and Abdoul Outtara, can you be the manager to finally return silverware to Alsace?
Paris Saint Germain
PSG aren’t just equipped to dominate France. Their riches are well-documented, and their facilities and first team squad match that abundance. However, despite their surprisingly successful academy, first team success for youth players has been thin on the ground since the arrival of their big money benefactors. For PSG, the challenge isn’t simply to take on Europe - that’s easy. You must grow the French domestic and national game. The greatest league in the world and a World Cup winning squad will with PSG academy players is within your reach, if you’re willing to work for it.
Conclusion
There are plenty of reasons to begin a career in France. Whether you’re into nurturing young talent, or splashing the cash as a European giant; the opportunity for an elite save is in Ligue 1. Bon chance!
