Football Season Guide

Were really disappointing last season. Managed just two wins in the UCL, and didn't even hit double figures for goals so crashed out in the league phase. Despite the advantage this handed them domestically, their lack of consistency resulted in an unacceptable mid-table finish. Changes were necessary, and boss Valverde knew it. Way before the end of last season, he said he would leave the club at the end of the season. Despite having a wide variety of talented Basque managers to choose from (Iraola, Perez), they opted to bring in Terzic as their new manager, which is a gamble - he's never managed in Spain before. RB is the biggest concern for them at the moment. Lekue has retired, Gorosabel is reportedly unwanted, and Areso has struggled for consistency so sometimes CB Vivian has filled in. Unless returning loanee Rincon is ready to make a splash, then it's likely to be a weak spot. LB is also a concern. Yuri is a legend, but even he cannot last forever, and Adama still has a lot to prove. Lekue has retired so he cannot cover in this role either. At CB, Unai Egiluz likely to miss the start of the season whilst recovering from an ACL injury. It shouldn't matter with Yeray's ban served but should Barcelona step up their interest in Laporte then it could lead to an issue. Their midfield looks solid enough. Canales should be able to contribute significantly following a good loan spell at Racing Santander, which would help enormously if Oihan Sancet's form dips again. They've got good width, especially with Navarro having emerged as a key player, and they may possibly consider reintegrating Djalo into their squad - the ability is there if they can unlock it. Striker remains a thorn in their side though. Guruzeta isn't quite consistent enough in front goal. Sannadi is a great target man but not a great finisher. The idea was to get Lozano to earn his spurs at Racing Santander last season, which initially worked but then an injured sidelined him. He's the obvious long-term solution but will they take that chance here? It's not clear. Asier Hierro has done well in friendlies too but it may be too big of a jump for him. The last thing to consider is that they're struggling to find value for Inaki Williams nowadays. A legend of the club, for sure, but he no longer contributes to the same level that he used to. Finding a way to make that work is a big challenge - he may have to become a benchwarmer if boss Terzic is bold enough to do it. European places has to be the aim for them but unless they take steps to address their problems at FB and up front, then another disappointing mid-table finish is likely.