Le Mans FC prepares for Ligue 1 with new staff and preseason win

Le Mans FC, returning to Ligue 1 after a 16‑year absence, secured a 1‑0 victory over FC Nantes in a summer friendly at Sablé‑sur‑Sarthe on 26 July 2026. The lone goal came from William Harhouz, who headed in from a corner in the 68th minute, while goalkeeper Nicolas Kocik made an early save.

Ahead of the new season, the club unveiled a completely rebuilt coaching staff under head coach Patrick Videira. Seven new members joined a total of about a dozen staff, with assistants Alexis Baudet and Cédrik Ramos, goalkeeper coach Johan Liébus, video analysts Camille Coudé and Édouard Landeroin, and a coordinated medical and fitness team. Videira emphasized humility and equality among staff, aiming to instill a strong work ethic as the team prepares for top‑flight competition.