Football Season Guide

Inter Turku looked on course to a surprising title last season but come the play-offs their form dipped and they finished as runner-ups. Went undefeated in the opening 18 rounds. Had just 2 defeats after the regular season. Unable to do enough in the play-offs though – 4 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats. As a result finished full 6 points behind KuPS. Had the best defence in the entire top flight, only 33 goals conceded in 32 games. Unfortunately, failed to score enough goals and many games that should have been won finished in draws. The team’s most important playmaker and chance-creator Krebs (12 assists in 2025) was sold. So was the big star of the left flank Legbo. Neither had been replaced very well and Inter didn’t make any major moves to improve their attack. All this hints at possible regression this season. It is hard to see who can take over from Krebs in midfield. Laine and Ahiabu were signed to do so but they are both much more defensive-minded players. Ampofo could get extra responsibilities. He lacks experience though. Coach Vesara will be in charge for third consecutive year and he has to find a way to revive the form of his struggling strikers. Both Botue and Tuominen started 2025 well but they hardly scored any goals in the play-offs. Keeping winger Essomba healthy was also a challenge last season. Doing so in 2026 could prove vital as outside the departed Krebs he was the other main source of chances created when available.