Lorient 2023/24: Why their goal has been so exposed this season – scout report

Last season, Régis Le Bris guided Lorient to a 10th place finish in Ligue 1 — their highest top-flight placing since the 2013/14 campaign, their final season under the leadership of Christian Gourcuff, when they finished eighth; they had quite a young squad to boot, giving the impression of quite a bright future for the Brittany-based club.

This season has seen fortunes turn for Le Bris and his side, currently sitting in 16th after earning just seven points from their opening eight league games of 2023/24. They cant blame their attack too much for this poor start, as their 13 goals scored places them seventh in the league in that particular area, despite chance creation not being a solid point for them so far this term.

Its the other end of the pitch, where the aim is to keep the ball out of the net, that has really stood out as a weak point for Les Merlus this term — theyve conceded 18 goals in their first eight games this season, giving them the worst defensive record in Frances top-flight. With the leagues fourth-highest xGA tally (16.18), its clear theyve been far too giving at the back this term — but why?

Our tactical analysis and team-focused scout report aims to examine whats changed for Lorient this season compared to last and get to the bottom of their defensive issues. Furthermore, our analysis will highlight what Le Bris needs to change if he is to oversee the necessary improvements in Lorients game.

The problem is not between the sticks

When a team is performing poorly at the back, the goalkeeper will always fall under the microscope and be thoroughly examined. However, needless to say, for anyone whos been following Lorient closely this term, its evident that stopper Yvon Mvogo is far from a problem.

In fact, theyve got the 29-year-old ex-Swiss Super League star with Young Boys and Bundesliga backup at RB Leipzig to thank for not conceding even more so far this term!

A brilliant example of Mvogos shot-stopping was on display late on in his teams latest Ligue 1 fixture — a 3-3 draw with fellow strugglers Olympique Lyon.

The home side, Lyon, had a glorious opportunity to take the lead in the dying moments of the game, but Mvogo pulled off a stunning stop, demonstrating excellent reactions and composure to keep things level and deny the opponent the late winner.

This is just one example of how Mvogo has proven crucial for Lorient in the 2023