Football Season Guide

All in all Groningen had a positive 2020-21 season having finished the regular season in 7th position and therefore having reached the qualification for the playoffs. A calculated risk was signing Arjien Robben one year after his official retirement, however, as feared, the former Bayern champion was unable to contribute much due to constant injuries and he has now retired permanently. Coach Danny Buijs in three years has given a clear and defined identity to the team, a solid defense, but in attack relies too much on the search for the opponents' mistakes. The statistics tell the story. They had one of the best defenses, but the worst attack with only 40 goals scored. With Buijs retained as coach, a utilitarian and cynical game is expected for this season too, a tight defense and long throws to the attackers. The coach's defensive philosophy also influenced the summer transfer campaign, as they bought three new central defenders. There were two signings in attack, Michael de Leeuw, who had done well last year with Emmen, and right winger Cyril Ngonge from RKC Waalwijk. The main change took place between the posts as the trusted goalkeeper Sergio Padt was sold to Ludogorets and was replaced by former Ajax U21 Peter Leeuwenburgh.