Clément Akpa wants a “revenge” after a tough Ligue 1 season

Clément Akpa, the Auxerre defender, is entering this Ligue 1 campaign with a clear objective: to turn things around after a difficult 2024-2025 season. As reported by L’Équipe, he openly talked about a desire for “revenge” compared to last year, stressing that he wants to rebound.

Revenge after last season

The most recent match offered a positive sign. According to L’Équipe, his involvement against Nice ended in a 1-0 win (played last Saturday in Ligue 1), and—just as important—it placed him in what he considers his preferred role. The paper highlights that he played on the left axial side within a three-man defensive structure.

That context matters because, as L’Équipe notes, Akpa had a rough time last season. With him being used again in a position and setup that suit him, the short-term fit could help him regain confidence.

The next step is consistency: Akpa’s “revenge” talk needs to translate into repeat performances. Going forward, how reliably he performs in that left axial role will be key to whether Auxerre can build the defensive stability he’s aiming for.