Football Season Guide

Despite a difficult previous season never really worried much about relegation. With only one team going down due to the expansion to 18 teams Cercle opted to develop many young players. Coach Cinel was not doing a bad job and despite bottom 4 finish during the regular season Cercle confirmed safety even before they had to play their first play-off game. Yet, Cinel was sacked in March. His replacement for the play-offs Lars Friis used the 6 rounds (3 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats) to get to know his squad well. The summer saw Friis focus huge chunk of the preparation on set pieces both in defence and attack. The Dane is from the new wave of managers with analysts in his team that specialise exactly on set piece situations. This hints that Cercle will rely on these moments to create chances. After back-to-back mediocre years in Belgium striker Ngoura is still the primary option up front. He is now a bit older and late last season under Friis scored some good goals. If he takes the next step Cercle could have a 15+ goal striker on their roster. The main weakening over the summer so far has been in defence. Loved by all fans goalie Warleson returned to Brazil. Main left wing-back Nazinho was sold. Experienced Coucke signed to replace the former. Yet to add a new defender for the left flank. It seems winter arrival Kondo might be shifted to the left side of the defence. He used to play in that role back in France. Winger Jurado missed the entire last season injured. He is an aggressive and very efficient with his set pieces player. If he can find form again this term the Mexican should play a key role. Remain very light on options in defence and this is a concern. Further up the pitch have some interesting players but they all have a point to prove. Jurado-Ngoura partnership in attack should fear most defences if both of them can live up to their expected standard. Neither has done so in the previous 2 years.