Patrick Videira aims for humility as Le Mans return to Ligue 1

Patrick Videira debuts in French top flight with Le Mans, who return to Ligue 1 after seventeen years in the wilderness. Speaking to L'Équipe, the Manceau manager reflects on the challenge ahead and sets out the path his club must follow.

«Being a Ligue 1 coach is tough, but I already know that», says Videira. «I've suffered in the National and Ligue 2. Difficulty must be our essence, it's part of our mentality». The coach stresses that the key is not to rush things and stay true to the values that enabled the team's back-to-back promotions.

On transfers, Videira confirms Daouda Traoré's arrival and reveals they've already signed Billal Brahimi, Louis Mafouta, Yasser Larouci and Rayan Bamba (on loan). Looking ahead, they want a centre-back (right and left-footed), a left-sided midfielder and possibly a striker. Théo Eyoum is set to leave. «What matters is not to rush, to be ambitious without losing humility», he concludes.