Les Dogues of war

By Christian Châtelet

When LOSC Lille Métropole struggled to earn a 2-1 victory at home against FC Dinamo Minsk in their first game of the season, a UEFA Intertoto Cup third-round tie on 17 July 2004, few would have predicted that they would go on to thrive in Europe and challenge for their first French title in 50 years.

Fighting 'Dogues'
With the sixth smallest budget in Ligue 1 (€22m for this season), 'Les Dogues' - 'The Bulldogs' - are fighting well above their weight, lying second in the table, five points adrift of all-conquering Olympique Lyonnais. Meanwhile, FC Basel 1893 stand between them and the last 16 of the UEFA Cup.

Serious competition
The Lille success story began in earnest with a 2-2 draw in the return leg of their game against Dinamo in Belarus, as they began to see the tournament as more than slightly glamorous pre-season training. "As we progressed we began to take it seriously," said captain and top striker Philippe Brunel. Lille went on to overcome UD Leiria in one of the tournament's three finals and on 21 September moved into the top three in France. They have been there ever since.

Strong side
"To begin with, people thought we were winning because of our physical strength and were expecting us to crumble once our form dipped," said coach Claude Puel. After seven months and 39 games, it is clear that there is more than simple strength behind the success of this team of unknowns.

Coaching class
In this respect, Puel's ability is fundamental. The former AS Monaco FC anchorman won the French title in 1999/00 as Monaco's coach before being replaced by Didier Deschamps. He turned down the chance to take charge of FC Porto in July, saying that he had unfinished business with Lille. "I have started a job here and I won't leave until it's finished," he said.

Squad rotation
A bad run of results could have cost Puel his job last season, but Lille have kept their faith in him, and his players are clearly relishing his trademark squad rotation system which has seen all 25 senior players get their chance this season.

No stars
Indeed, the system has allowed some lesser known players to shine. The closest Lille had to stars at the start of the season were Slovenian playmaker Milenko Acimovic and the Greek Stavros Tavlaridis, formerly of Arsenal FC, but others have now risen in stature.

Rising talents
After nine seasons as a second choice at Monaco, Senegalese goalkeeper Tony Sylva has shown marvellous form; midfield player Mathieu Bodmer has brought scouts flooding to Lille; and Matt Moussilou has emerged as a quality striker after finishing as the Intertoto Cup's top scorer.

Lyon vanquished
Lille proved their class by becoming the first team to win against Lyon in the league this season, 2-1 at home. Lyon coach Paul Le Guen was impressed. "It's clear that as a team Lille are among the title challengers," he said. "They can hold this pace until the end."

Home and away
The success has been all the more remarkable considering that, with their Grimonprez-Jooris stadium under reconstruction, they have been playing in the unfamiliar Villeneuve-d'Ascq stadium all season. Yet crowds, like the team's spirits, have remained healthy.

Waiting game
Bigger clubs may be waiting for some of Lille's talent, but as the transfer window closed there were no defections. "We want to see what we can do together this season before considering the future," said Bodmer. On current form, that could be quite a lot.