PSG Kombouare Sacking Is First Major Move in Busy Ligue 1 Winter Break

Now that the winter break is upon us, it is a good time to reflect on what has transpired and look forward to what is on the horizon. The first half of the Ligue 1 season has provided many surprises and some great action. The last week has provided some stunning results and several classic games.

As teams and their supporters begin to celebrate the holiday season, the transfer rumors and dealings are already beginning to get into full swing.

PSG wasted no time in making the first big move of the break by sacking embattled coach Antoine Kombouare. It is a shame for Kombouare who saw his team finish the Autumn Term top of the table by 3 points, but anyone who has followed the expectations PSG has been saddled with knew Kombouare’s days were numbered in Paris.

There have been several coaches linked with the job including Carlo Ancelotti and Frank Rijkaard, but Al Jazeera reported a few weeks back that Rafeal Benitez has already agreed to take over in the capital city.

With the sudden change on the coaching front, PSG is still looking to improve their roster. Their offer to Beckham has been known for quite some time, but the most interesting speculation involves a bid for Porto’s Hulk. PSG is one of the few clubs in the world who can come up with the funds required to facilitate the move from Porto. If true, this may indeed spark a bidding war as Manchester City are known to be keen on the striker.

Outside of Paris, Auxerre are looking to find a way out of the bottom by pursuing Djibril Cisse from Lazio. Cisse spent nearly six years with Auxerre early in his career and has found himself in a tremendous scoring slump for his Italian side.

The 30-year-old may prove to be too expensive for the typically frugal outfit, but the thought of teaming Cisse with Dennis Oliech and Alain Traore would give Auxerre a high-powered attack.

Lyon appears to be resigned to the fact defender Aly Cissokho will be on his way to England in January. Talk of a move to Liverpool has been going on since midsummer, but reports point to Chelsea entering the fray for the French left back. While Lyon coach Remi Garde has come out and stated Cissokho wants to make the move, do not be surprised if Arsenal inquires about a loan deal to try and mitigate their injury woes at fullback.

Out of favor Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh appears to be headed back to Bordeaux. Chamakh has struggled to find form and time on the pitch, and his long rumored move back to France appears to be just around the corner.

Chelsea starlet Gael Kakuta appears headed to Dijon on loan for the remainder of the season. Kakuta has struggled to find consistent time at Bolton, but  Chelsea wants their youngster to have the opportunity to gain experience at a solid level.

Dijon is part owned by Florent Malouda and Kakuta will have ample opportunity for him to gain the first team futbol his development needs.

ASSE made their first move of the winter by announcing the permanent signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from AC Milan. Aubameyang has been on loan from AC Milan and is leading Les Verts with 6 goals this campaign. The deal is reported to have locked up the 22-year-old thru 2016.

This was a much needed move by St. Etienne as their young squad has been playing well and Aubameyang has been a key component of their solid form.

Eden Hazard will no doubt be the focus of non-stop rumors until a transfer to another team is complete, or until the January window closes. It may be easier to list who is not thought to be in for the young midfielder, but do not count out him finishing the season with Lille as they look to overtake PSG and repeat as Ligue 1 champions.

The winter break will undoubtedly bring new faces into Ligue 1 and see some familiar ones leave. At the end of it all, teams will be rested and ready to take on the second half of the campaign.

Time will tell what moves had the greatest impact, and who made the right ones.

Stay tuned.