Football Season Guide

Brann were disappointed to follow up such a successful 2016 season, when they came second only to Rosenborg, with a fifth place finish in 2017. Expectations were perhaps a little bit too high and it showed in the end as the players buckled under pressure. Injuries to key creative players didn't help either. The question is whether Lars Gunnar Nilsen can motivate his side for an even better season this time around. That is at least the hope. Brann still have a really good squad, and have recruited the likes of Gilbert Komsoon to get the attacking play going. He does have a relegation under his belt with Sogndal, but even last season he created plenty in a very limited side so he is expected to make his mark at one of the bigger Eliteserien clubs. Nilsen is probably one of the best managers in the division and provided lessons have bee learned from last season Brann should have another very decent season. They have won their last five pre-season friendlies, although there are question marks over whether Brann have tested themselves to the required level as their opposition has often been found badly wanting. The last thing Brann need to be are undercooked ahead of the season, so it will be interesting to see if a relatively easy pre-season schedule will come back to haunt them.