The 2000-01 campaign delivered a turbulent, transitional season for Auxerre as L'AJA navigated the post-Guy Roux era under manager Daniel Rolland, before Roux's eventual return later in the season. The side ultimately secured a mid-table consolidation, finishing 13th in Division 1. Leading the charge was the World Cup winner Stéphane Guivarc'h, whose 11 goals provided crucial firepower during a year of major flux for the club. It was a challenging season that tested the depth of the squad and marked the initial, temporary end of one of the most iconic managerial reigns in French football history, while also allowing young future stars like Djibril Cissé to continue their development.