Football Season Guide

Flirted with danger all of last year. Ended up finishing 6 points above the bottom 2 but there was no other team between them and the relegated teams. The main issues were in defence, only the dead-last Haka conceded more than Oulu’s 53 goals. After such a poor year of defending it was no surprise that the main goalie from 2025 and 6 of the defenders left the club this winter. Hopes are that the trimmed down back line will be much more effective. Yet to be seen if Santos can provide better displays on goal. Right now coach Isokangas, returns for a third year at the helm, has only two senior centre-backs. He used 4 Academy players in the recent Finnish Cup tournament and it seems Oulu will try to develop their own talent instead of buying unproven players at high volume. A risky approach but one that could work out if at least one of the youngsters develops well. Striker Rasmus Karjalainen returns for another spell at the club, his third, and he was immediately made the team captain. He is a proven goalscorer and likely to start every game he is available for. Niklas Jokelainen will be his main support up front, while Ghezali and Kaukua provide interesting threat from the flanks. They are both known for their good set-piece deliveries too. Oulu led the league for goals scored via dead-ball deliveries in 2 of the last 4 years.