Football Season Guide

Four very hard years have passed since Racing Genk were really challenging for the top places and, after the mixed emotions from the previous campaign, they missed out on Play-off I but made a historic long run in Europe. Now the Blues are focusing their attention solely on the domestic league. Coach, Albert Stuivenberg, already lost some of his bright young talents this summer, with a few others also targeted by big clubs in Europe. However, all in all, Genk have a strong and very young core of players. To be prepared for possible further departures and to compensate for the leaving of Timothy Castagne, Marco Bizot and Matthew Ryan, the gaffer already added new faces to his line-up. Goalkeeper Danny Vukovic arrives from Australia to try his luck in Belgium, while Joakim Maehle was signed to be the new starting right-back. Stuivenberg was also delighted to see his main playmaker Ruslan Malinovsky agree to make his move permanent and, together with Alejandro Pozuelo and Sander Berge, if the latter stays, he will be orchestrating things in midfield. Up front Leandro Trossard and Siebe Schrijvers are exciting young talents who are ready to become key factors down the wings. Genk also have their captain Thomas Buffel and the newcomer Benson Manuel as options for the wide attacking positions. The attack is likely to be led by this summer’s record-signing Marcus Ingvartsen, although Mbwana Samatta is a very crafty goalscorer who can always be trusted. Moreover, from September onwards, Nikos Karelis will have recovered from knee surgery and, with his great scoring record, he will also be demanding playing time. Genk have always been solid hosts but with the speed and creativity that most of the forward players possess, they are also expected to be very dangerous on the road this year. The goals are clear and everyone in the club knows that the only important competition is the Jupiler League, where Genk are expected to focus all their efforts this season.