AJ Auxerre are the only Ligue 1 side without a single point after two matches, a concerning situation that demands an immediate response. The Burgundy club sits 18th in the championship with 0 points, 0 wins, 0 draws, and 2 losses, and a recent form of two consecutive defeats, according to verified data as of 31 August 2026.
Will Still has become the first Auxerre manager to start a top-flight season with two defeats. The defensive record is particularly worrying with eight goals conceded against only three scored, resulting in a -5 goal difference. This poor start leaves the team six points behind leaders Monaco, as confirmed by our standings page.
Why has Auxerre's defence collapsed?
The season began with a heavy 5-2 away loss to Lens on 22 August. The situation worsened when centre-back Christ Makosso was sent off, forcing Auxerre to concede four goals while down to ten men. The following home match against Angers ended in another 3-1 defeat. The team lost energy and conviction after conceding the opening goal and let in two goals from set-pieces.
Tactical adjustments also contributed to the disorganisation. For the match against Angers, 18-year-old academy product Elikya Legros made his first Ligue 1 start. Substituted in the 62nd minute after receiving a yellow card, his replacement by Fredrik Oppegard led to Clément Akpa moving to an inside position, disrupting the defensive balance.
What is Auxerre's stance in the transfer market?
Despite this difficult start, the club's management is maintaining its position in the transfer market, as reported by L'Équipe on 30 August. Will Still, quoted by the outlet, said he would protect his players and could accept respectful criticism aimed at him. Captain Kévin Danois, aged 22 and pursued by Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, does not seem eager to leave. A transfer would require an offer above 35 million euros, which appears unlikely at present.
One or two departures and as many arrivals, likely a forward and a defender, remain possible. Any signing will only be pursued if it makes sense within a budget of 50 million euros, with the transfer deadline set for Tuesday at 20:00.
How is the team preparing for the trip to Lyon?
The next challenge is a demanding away trip to Lyon, 4th in the table, on Friday 4 September. This fixture comes amid pressure following loud whistles from supporters at full-time against Angers. A group of supporters met with Will Still on Thursday in an atmosphere described as cordial.
The team must also cope with absences on the injuries list, including Assane Dioussé, Marvin Senaya, and Sekou Fofana. A response on the pitch is needed to reverse the negative momentum and secure the first points of the season, an imperative ahead of a run of games you can check on our fixtures page.
