Football Season Guide

Just when they get it right, they go and change everything - that's FC Zurich. Boss Moniz was a bold appointment, which started off quite well but given how bizarre his selections were last season (so many youth players when better alternatives were available) it was inevitable he'd be sacked due to the unease in the camp. Former Assistant Manager to Erik ten Haag at Manchester United, Mitchell van der Gaag, will take over on a permanent basis. Another very bold choice that it's difficult to envision going well. FC Zurich have pumped a lot of money into signing academy players and giving them a chance lately, which is nice. They've found some good players in the likes of Tsawa and David Vujevic, although the latter injured his thigh in friendly against Dietikon and will be out until mid-September at the earliest. They need more experience though - it's not a coincidence that things went sour last season after the unnecessary departure of Marchesano. As always, there's a real smell of desperation at the club, and that usually doesn't go too swimmingly for them. They promise a lot, FC Zurich, but seldom deliver. Adding the likes of Palacio (who can only play after 24th July) and Phaëton adds dynamism to their squad, which they've admittedly lacked. They've still not found a natural striker though, which is bizarre. Perea was really good for them last season, although it's understandable they didn't sign him due to injuries/suspensions. A replacement is needed though, and unless they intend to take a punt on returning loanee Bajrami, there isn't one. They've taken a gamble in defence too. Losing Kryeziu was inevitable but replacing him with Sauter, who left the club because he wasn't good enough for Super League level, was strange. They've lost a lot of experience and consistency pre-season, and it might prove costly for them. It's fair to say that they do have some special talents coming through though - the likes of Munroe and Coulibaly are very highly-regarded, and Ligue was scintillating last season. They're going to need more of the same to achieve their goals this season though, which looks like a real long shot. If they start poorly, then they may not recover from it because of how youthful the squad predominantly is nowadays.