Football Season Guide

Rizespor had a solid last season and finished 9th. With a bit more luck could have challenged for a top 5 finish, ended up only 5 points behind 5th place. Offered all-or-nothing approach and had by far the fewest draws, only 4 in 36 matches. The team with 2nd fewest had double that. Coach Palut saw his loanee striker Ali Sowe score in 13 of these 36 games. He never scored more than a goal in any match but was constantly relied on to contribute. Happy with his contributions Rize made his stay at the club permanent. Sowe will have extra support in attack this season. Halil Dervişoğlu joined and he could partner Sowe in the games in which Rize opt to play with 2 up front. Useful wingers Akintola and Ghezzal were released. Both demanded way too high wages. The latter will be missed but not too much. He was constantly injured last season and despite being impactful when available he didn’t play even half of the games. Romanian Valentin Mihăilă has been signed to take over Ghezzal’s role. Also, Bulut is on loan for the entire season. These are 2 quality wingers. The other area that needed major revamp was the goalkeeper’s position. Parted ways with the 2 main GKs from last season. Erdem Canpolat arrives from Pendikspor with the promise to be the new number 1. He’s lacking experience but Rize believe in him. LB Casper Höjer was made the new team captain. Rize have a solid starting back 4. They lack substantial depth in defence though so keeping the starters in that zone healthy will be important.