Clermont-Ferrand (AFP)

Promoted for the first time in its history in Ligue 1, Clermont Foot 63 will have to adapt quickly, without denying its values, if it wants to hang on to maintenance, its only ambition of the season.

"We want to remain ourselves on the game, values, leaders, relations with our environment and the faithful who have supported us," Jérôme Champagne, adviser to Swiss President Ahmet Schaefer, told AFP.

The Auvergne club will hardly have time to take its marks.

After a first trip to Bordeaux, an already crucial deadline will arise from August 15 with the reception of the other promoted, Troyes.

A victory against Les Troyens seems important for confidence before playing for the cador Lyon, during the third day.

Clermont will receive well in its Gabriel-Montpied stadium where the arrangements to be in accordance with the requirements of the elite have been carried out with great speed to be ready on D-day. The capacity has been increased to 13,000 seats.

"It was a priority", underlines Mr. Champagne.

- Angers, the model to follow -

With a record number of subscribers (8,735), to which will be added "match day" sales with prices in the low range of Ligue 1, the Auvergne team is almost guaranteed to play in front of full stands. in this rugby town.

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To make its elite debut, the Clermont club, owned by Ahmet Schaefer (39) since 2019, has strengthened its administrative staff through fixed-term contracts (CDD) but also its security teams.

Sportingly, the CF63 wants to keep the playing philosophy that has brought it to the elite and to be inspired by the Angers model, set up in 2015 and which has been maintained until now.

Coach Pascal Gastien (57), named twice best coach in Ligue 2 (2019, 2021), who will discover Ligue 1, said he contacted several elite coaches including Stéphane Moulin, craftsman of the accession of SCO in L1 in 2015

"I approach the season with a lot of humility. I was very focused on L2. I watch a lot of Ligue 1 matches last season. I contacted other coaches who had a bit of the same background than me to know how they worked, what changed between the two levels, "Gatien said during a program broadcast on RMC Sport on July 20.

- Six to seven recruits -

In mid-March, Ahmet Schaefer told the daily La Montagne his wish to rely on the workforce which has enabled the club to rise.

All these players are still under contract and in particular the striker trained at the club Mohamed Bayo.

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"We want to continue with this group that is doing so well. A third season together would save time in the preparation and there is this positive energy that could be manifested in the first matches," he said.

But the workforce will be supplemented by six or seven recruits.

Two players have already arrived free: Senegalese full-back Arial Mendy (Servette FC Geneva) and Kosovar striker Elbasan Rashani (BB Erzurumspor / Turkey).

And given the tense financial situation of many clubs due to the health crises and TV rights, Clermont hopes to seize opportunities, in the form of loans, with an option to purchase in the event of maintenance, or inexpensive transfers.

It will be necessary to be fair in recruiting because the club's budget will only be 20 million euros against 11 million last season (11th in Ligue 2).

It takes into account the upcoming increase in ticketing revenues, partnerships and the sale of derivative products but also TV rights for income linked to the ranking: the managers have bet on a 17th place final.

© 2021 AFP