Football Season Guide

Dresden looked doomed for the drop at the midway point of last season, but excellent winter recruitment inspired them to safety, winning 8 of their remaining 17 games. Coach Stamm remains in charge after coming through a difficult spell last season, and is now looking to establish his side as a solid second division club. The first task was to secure the permanent signatures of loan players Keller, Wagner, Bobzien, and Sterner, all of whom made a big impact. Experienced players Marcel Rapp and Tobias Raschl have been brought in to bolster the midfield after the loss of Amoako to Hamburg. There were vulnerabilities defensively in the last campaign so improvements in this area were essential. Schmidt, Muhamedbegovic, and youngster Neininger will add competition for places. Italian right-back Straudi is an experienced addition, on the left Ezeh could be a good purchase, providing he can rediscover the form from earlier in his career. Dresden are a lot more organised and ready for the season than they have been in a long time so they could spring a surprise or two. They work well as unit and have the ability up front to unlock defences. A good start is essential to keep them moving in the right direction but a tough schedule early on will make this difficult.