Why Strasbourg are on course to be Ligue 1’s next success story

Alsace outfit are unbeaten in four

After promotion from Ligue 2 in 2017, RC Strasbourg’s first season back in the top-flight saw them finish in 15^th place – just a point above the relegation play-off spot.

However, impressive home form and a savvy manager in Thierry Laurey suggested Le Racing could be on the rise. And the signs this season have cemented that.

Here’s why we’ve been impressed with the Alsace club, and why they could be set for a memorable campaign…

Laurey proving himself a smart tactician

Boss Laurey built his name taking Gazelec Ajaccio from third-tier to Ligue 1 in successive seasons. And he’s building a similarly impressive legacy at a bigger club in Strasbourg.

The 54-year-old has had the club on an upward trajectory since taking over at the then-Ligue 2 side in 2016. And it’s largely been thanks to his consistently excellent tactical decisions.

He’s chopped and changed Strasbourg’s formation through this season, and done so to great effect.

That included a 5-4-1 to secure a superb counter-attacking win over Monaco at Stade de la Meinau. But he’s also gone with several more expansive systems this season, recording wins over lesser sides like Dijon and SC Amiens in the process.

Newboy Mothiba’s star is on the rise

It’s less than two months since South African striker Lebo Mothiba joined Strasbourg from Lille for £4m. But the 22-year-old is already looking like one of the buys of the summer.

He’s netted five times in the last seven games, including a sumptuous chip in the 2-1 defeat of Thierry Henry’s AS Monaco. And the rapid forward preceded that goal with a first-half brace at Angers – both strikes a result of electric pace and fine finishing.