Football Season Guide

Anzhi are looking to progress as a club and stabilise themselves in the top-flight at last after a few difficult years. They were newcomers last season and struggled badly at the bottom end of the table for a long time. Ruslan Agalarov was kept as a coach despite the struggles and a late surge was just about enough to save their skin, with a play-off win over Volgar Ashtrakan enough to secure another season at this level. But it was clear that Anzhi are aiming for more than just beating the drop and they did not keep Agalarov on board for the new season. Instead, Pavel Vrba has taken the reins after being in charge of Czech Republic during Euro 2016. The experienced coach had a lot of success in his own country with Viktoria Plzen, earning multiple titles and securing Champions League group stage football for a number of years. His stint with the national team was generally disappointing but he is a fine coach and a represents a coup for the Makhachkala side. They have not bought too many new players but the squad does look stronger and better covered in terms of depth. Aleksandr Belenov is a really good addition on goal as he is experienced and consistent. Another former Kuban player in Mohammed Rabiu also represents a fine signing with his battling qualities in midfield. Bordeaux’s centre-back Cédric Yambéré seems like the best of the signings though as he is a player of pedigree and no little quality and has the makings of one of the top defenders in the league if he settles quickly. One concern is the lack of too many options in attack as Yannick Boli will be expected to provide enough goals and he is not good constant enough for that. Otherwise, Ilya Maksimov will be the creative force and will look to replicate his impressive form at times last season. Anzhi have the look of a decent unit but are still far away from the top sides and should be aiming for just a finish in the top half.