Football Season Guide

Magdeburg were much improved last season and produced some eye-catching performances, especially on the road. They eventually finished in 5th position but it could have been higher if their home results had matched their away. It is all change for Magdeburg this season after boss Christian Titz decided to take on a new role at Hannover. Maybe the time was right for a fresh start all round but his loss could be felt after the progress they made under his leadership. New coach Markus Fiedler is only 39 but has high hopes for a successful managerial career. This will be his first job coaching at this level and not an easy one to follow in the footsteps of Titz. There has been little movement in the transfer market so far and you feel more is needed for Magdeburg to compete at the top end of the table. Key all-rounder El Hankouri is no longer at the club while top-scorer Kaars is likely to be snapped up before the season starts. Fiedler has done a good job developing young players at previous club Stuttgart II, so this is likely to be the direction of travel at Magdeburg. He will be hoping to get the best out of new young attacking midfield duo Ulrich and Meier, who have both joined on loan.