Football Season Guide

It's fair to say that Lausanne-Sport underwent one of the more turbulent pre-seasons after only just sneaking into European football this season. Switzerland's worst-kept secret was made official in June with boss Magnin poached by reigning champions FC Basel. Curiously, Lausanne-Sport opted to replace him with Peter Zeidler - it's difficult to think of two more polarising managers in Swiss football. Therefore, the first problem they have to overcome is going from a harsh disciplinarian approach to a free-flowing attacking style of play that Zeidler is known for. That's likely to take some time, which has been extremely evident in pre-season friendlies, even gunned down 5-2 by local rivals Stade Lausanne-Ouchy from the division below. Attack and midfield were the focus areas in the transfer market because Soppy arriving for the departed Senaya resolves their RB situation, and the rest of their back four is fine, especially now they've brought Bryan Okoh home from his ill-fated stint at Red Bull Salzburg. Goalkeeper Letica - despite constant rumours - hasn't left either. They lost Bernede midway through last season, and now lost Koindredi too. Then there's the Sanches situation - his most recent injury was another bad one, which has pursuing clubs hesitant, as does the club's 10 mil asking price. For suitors ranging from FC Basel to FC Porto, it's almost like a Mexican stand-off, each waiting for the other to make a move. There is no bad blood between Sanches and Lausanne-Sport; they'd be happy to keep him. They're working on him not being there though, hence the arrival of Lekoueiry last season. Still, there's no denying that their CM needs more depth and quality. Attack is an interesting one. Diabate and Balde going wasn't the end of the world; both had good moments last season but weren't consistent, and Diabate was in disciplinary trouble on more than one occasion. It looks like they'll be rolling with his 4-3-1-2 formation too, given their lack of reinforcements and additional strikers. They don't normally play with two out-and-out strikers but it looks like they will be now with youngsters Diakite and Kana Biyik joining to support Sene and Ajdini; the preferred duo is not yet clear. Expect Lausanne-Sport to be faster, both with and without the ball this season. They're going to concede more than last season but the intention is to score more too. They'll be entertaining but will struggle for efficiency, and that might end up costing them, especially if they have the anticipated slow start.