Football Season Guide

After a slightly disappointing previous campaign KAA Gent took a step back over the summer and coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck offloaded many players that were not part of his future plans, making the squad much more manageable. However, not a single regular has left the squad as of yet and the Buffalos are definitely preparing to challenge for the title this season. Four major new signings were made in the last few months and, with a strengthened midfield and a new option in attack, Gent look as good as ever...at least on paper. The winter arrival of Yuya Kubo quickly turned him into the most prolific striker in the entire Jupiler League and now the Japanese virtuoso is expected to make many headlines in his first full season at the club. Supported by the giant target man Kalifa Coulibaly, the newcomer Mamadou Sylla and several more strikers, Gent promise goals once again. Last season the Buffalos were near perfect on home turf, but struggled to find the right balance between defence and attack on their travels so the main focus in their current preparation is to improve their form away from home. If Gent are able to defend their goal much better this season they will definitely be amongst the contenders for glory. Lovre Kalinic was the other successful winter arrival and the extremely talented goalkeeper will be the preferred choice in goal. In front of him Rami Gershon, Stefan Mitrovic and Samuel Gigot are expected to form the back three, although captain Nana Asare can also be used as part of the main defensive line, freeing space in the left wing-back position for Kenny Saief or Thomas Matton. Gent signed the experienced holding midfielder Damien Marcq, the box-to-box tireless engine Lior Inbrum and the highly skilful playmaker Franko Andrijasevic. These players, added to the already present regulars in the middle of the park, make the choice really rich. Vanhaezebrouck likes to use constant rotation to his line-up and with so many options he can definitely do that, plus the team looks covered for any possible injury problems that inevitably occur during a long campaign.