Angers SCO is once again adjusting its tactical approach as it navigates a challenging stretch in Ligue 1. Facing familiar difficulties – a string of defeats and struggles to discover the back of the net – manager Alexandre Dujeux is revisiting a formation previously employed in a similar situation last year, signaling a shift in strategy for the struggling club. This tactical pivot comes amid a winter transfer window that has altered key components of the team’s previously effective 4-2-3-1 setup, making a direct replication of past successes difficult.
Just eleven months ago, Angers deployed a 5-3-2 formation in response to a downturn in form, even utilizing it during a match against Paris Saint-Germain. While the team suffered a 1-0 defeat in that contest, the change in approach reportedly helped them regain some momentum in their fight to avoid relegation. Now, with players like Abdelli shifting roles and Chérif taking on a new position, Dujeux is looking for a solution to reignite the team’s performance. The absence of Van den Boomen due to illness on Saturday further complicates matters, as his profile differs from that of Koyalipou, making a simple copy of the previous tactical setup unfeasible.
Dujeux acknowledged the need for experimentation, stating, “Today, I am looking for the right formula, and to find it, you have to try.” He outlined the specific criteria guiding the tactical adjustment, focusing on utilizing wing-backs to deliver crosses into the box and pairing two forwards – Peter and Koyalipou – to create opportunities for deflections, runs in behind, and to overcome opposing teams’ pressing strategies.
The decision to explore the 5-3-2 formation reflects a broader trend in Angers’ approach to overcoming adversity. Last season, the team turned to this formation as a temporary fix, and it proved effective in stabilizing their situation. Now, with the team facing similar challenges, Dujeux is hoping that a familiar tactical setup can provide a much-needed boost. However, the changes in personnel and the evolving dynamics of the league mean that a simple repeat of past successes is unlikely.
A Shift in Personnel and Tactical Flexibility
The winter transfer window has played a significant role in prompting this tactical rethink. The departure of key players and the arrival of new faces have disrupted the balance of the team, forcing Dujeux to reassess his options. The changes in the midfield, with Abdelli’s shift in position, and the forward line, with Chérif’s new role, have altered the team’s dynamics and require a different tactical approach.
Dujeux’s emphasis on utilizing wing-backs, Raolisoa and Hanin, highlights the importance of width and crossing ability in his new tactical setup. By deploying these players as pistons, he aims to provide a consistent supply of balls into the box, creating opportunities for his forwards to score. The pairing of Peter and Koyalipou is also a key component of the plan, with Dujeux hoping that their close partnership will allow them to exploit defensive weaknesses and create scoring chances.
Recent Form and the PSG Matchup
Angers SCO faced Paris Saint-Germain on August 22, 2025, in a Ligue 1 match that ended in a 1-0 victory for PSG. Ruiz scored the winning goal in the 50th minute. PSG played a 4-3-3 formation, while Angers utilized a 5-3-2 formation. Fox Sports provides a detailed recap of the match, including team lineups and substitutions.
More recently, Paris FC and Angers faced off on January 25, 2026, in a Ligue 1 match. Sofascore reports the live score and lineups for this game, though the final result was not available at the time of this report.
Looking Ahead
The tactical adjustments being implemented by Alexandre Dujeux represent a calculated risk as Angers SCO seeks to improve its performance in Ligue 1. The team’s next challenge will be to translate these changes into positive results on the field. The success of this new approach will depend on the players’ ability to adapt to the new formation and execute Dujeux’s tactical vision. The coming weeks will be crucial for Angers as they strive to climb the league table and secure their position in the top flight.
Fans and analysts will be closely watching to observe how Angers responds to these changes and whether the return to a familiar formation can provide the spark needed to turn their season around. The team’s ability to overcome its current challenges will be a testament to Dujeux’s leadership and the players’ resilience.
Share your thoughts on Angers SCO’s tactical shift and their prospects for the remainder of the season in the comments below.
