Football Season Guide

Molde had pretty much the season from hell last year as they were far away from the title race that they became accustomed to being part of for the the last decade and were instead embroiled in a tussle at the lower end of the standings to avoid getting into the relegation play-off. They ultimately have too much quality in the ranks to allow such a disaster to happen but they were poor for the most part and there were almost no redeeming qualities to their campaign, blighted by constant injuries to important, ageing and stagnating squad members, and chronic inefficiency in front of goal. Now there is real hunger and drive for a fresh start at the club as they have a new manager in the dugout in 30 year-old Martin Falk. Yet, in an unusual arrangement he is actually going to be just an assistant in the long term and for now will just keep the seat warm for the incoming permanent manager Sindre Tjelemand, who is waiting for his contract with Lech Poznan to expire in June. Yet both coaches are expected to preach the same sort of football philosophy, based on quick 4-3-3 football down the wings and proactivity on the ball. The squad feels somewhat refreshed as well with the additions of a few young players in Mads Kikkenborg in goal and Sivert Hansen at the back. With the rise of players like Sondre Granaas, Daniel Daga and Oscar Spiten-Nysaeter last season, the beginning of a new-look, younger core is starting to take shape. But there is still the feeling that Molde have lost a bit too much quality over the last few years and they are a rung or two below the likes of Brann, Viking and Bodø as the very best in the league and it will take something quite drastic and major for the current squad to nee anywhere near the top three come the end of the season, irregardless of the feeling of fresh start under new coaching team.