Football Season Guide

They hoped for a knee-jerk reaction to Kuhbauer being appointed as manager, and they got it, winning the double last season. Although they played well, the outcome was still largely about their lack of competition from their so-called rivals. They've actually improved their squad pre-season though, so they are intent on keeping the good times rolling. Kuhbauer has already identified players he cannot work with, so they have left. In has come players he can work with. Alemao's loan move was made permanent, which was very logical. Same goes for playmaker Danek. They've also beefed up their defence by acquiring Freckleton, Verhaeghe, and even LB Dibango so they don't have to over-rely on Bello again. The two big arrivals pre-season were Schopf and Harakate. Schopf has arrived to bring energy and consistency to their midfield, and Harakate has arrived to be a match-winner due to his unpredictable yet skilful nature. Both know the Bundesliga very well by now. The cherry on the cake has been the arrival of Robert Ljubicic on loan, who should be too good for this level. LASK's decisions in the transfer market have largely been 'safe'. Cohesion should not be an issue for them this season. They've got enough depth to compete on multiple fronts too, so they should be in for a good campaign. The only thing that could possibly stop them from a title push would be their striker position. Although Entrup was never fancied last season, and Kalajdzic only really came into his own toward the end of his loan spell, both were the only two strikers this team has. Usor and Adeniran are very good but generally play in the channels or on the wing. There is a concern that they'll lose Bogarde before the season starts because of how well he did in midfield last season. There hasn't been any movement yet, but it wouldn't be ideal if he left. Still, they've been so well prepared pre-season that they've presumably got a plan if that does come to pass. There's no reason this team should not make the top three. They could win it again if things fall their way.