For reference, Nantes was champion in 2000-2001
It’s important to note that starting this season, we have 18 teams instead of 20. Therefore, Ligue1 teams play 34 games instead of 38.
How do fans in France view the return to 18 teams? I would assume it’s a welcome change for the clubs and fans because of a less harsh schedule but I don’t know for sure.
I see this as a positive.
Less games is a bit of a bummer, because watching football is fun, but players will be less exhausted, which should means more quality games and hopefully more offensively leaning teams due to the possibility of putting more efforts per games.
Less teams might lead to a tighter competition, which is fun for the intensity of the european/relegation races. As competition rises, it should force teams to improve faster to meet the challenge.