Football Season Guide

SJK had a frustrating 2025 despite some good results and attractive football on offer. All season they stayed in and around the top 3 but back-to-back crucial defeats in the play-offs saw them miss out on the medals by a single point. Not just that but this also meant they failed to qualify for Europe as the team behind them HJK reached the Finnish Cup final so they took the last visa. This frustrating end to a largely decent season led to coach Greve’s departure after 2 years in charge. He was replaced by the hugely experienced Jarkko Wiss who just won the title with KuPS. His arrival increases the ambitions and with most of the main core staying put SJK are seen by many as the main dark horse in the title race. Wiss is known for his tactical mastery so an organised and efficient football in Seinajoki is guaranteed. Losing Gasc was a blow but even without him have enough quality in midfield. Not to mention that 3 new inner midfielders were added and the depth in this area is better if anything. Added 3 new left wingers too but at least 2 of them are expected to operate in more defensive position. Sold their main left-back Fati and also released veteran Murilo. In years past Mommo has played as a left-back and he’s likely to be used in that role more often than in his natural role as a winger. After his 17 goals last year young attacking midfielder Kasper Paananen seeks even better 2026. Keeping him past the summer will be a tough task but at least until then he should be playing a crucial role and starting every game. Lucas Rangel returns to Finland. He is an experienced centre forward that can prove to be a vital weapon late in games. Streng and the bright young prodigy Tessilimi should still start most games up front.