Le Mans FC returns to Ligue 1 on Saturday after 16-year absence. Coach Patrick Videira hopes the fans will play their part as the 12th man like they did during the last two seasons in National and Ligue 2. The club has reserved 16,000 seats for the first day of Ligue 1, including 13,000 season ticket holders, for a stadium that can hold 25,000 people. Coach Patrick Videira advised his players to not play with the handbrake on and to give pleasure to the fans. Le Mans FC has a 25-million-euro budget, which is one of the smallest budgets in the championship. Coach Patrick Videira estimated that the club should go with a lot of humility and continue to work like they did during the last two seasons. Le Mans FC kept the core of players who worked for the promotion to Ligue 1. Coach Patrick Videira defended the 16 players in the squad who were in National and said that it was they who held the project. Le Mans FC played seven friendly matches for three wins, two draws and two defeats. Coach Patrick Videira noted that his players had worked very well during the preparation and that they wanted more. Le Mans FC is currently third in Ligue 2 with 57 points, 15 wins, 12 draws and 4 defeats. The club has scored 46 goals and conceded 29, giving a +17 goal difference. Le Mans FC is one point behind the leaders Estac Troyes. Coach Patrick Videira also mentioned that the defender Djibril Sidibé, world champion with France in 2018, was a notable recruitment for the club. Le Mans FC also kept the core of players who worked for the promotion to Ligue 1. Coach Patrick Videira defended the 16 players in the squad who were in National and said that it was they who held the project.