Football Season Guide

Last season was a huge disappointment for one of Switzerland's biggest clubs. They offered little by way of consistency, were unconvincing on every stage, and now have to face the embarrassment of a campaign without European football for the first time in a while. You might think that would allow them to focus almost entirely on the Super League, and potentially win the competition but it's not likely. They have lost some big players pre-season, and more will follow. Replacing goalkeeper Hitz (retired) with Omlin was a good move, but they only signed a replacement (Coleen Louis) for influential left-back Schmid a week before the start of the season. Schmid's departure was odd, too - he claims he was not offered a new deal; FCB said he asked for too much. One of their few remaining talents in attack, Traore, was another to leave. He was overrated, but at the same time he was a big player for them. Otele could replace him, his loan spell having ended, but the expectation at this point is that he will also leave. Putting the ball in the net is also a concern. Koloto has promise, but is inconsistent due to his age. Ajeti has lost his way. Broschinski has been shoved out of the door. Kaio Eduardo is rash. They only signed Zan Celar recently, and although he's proven at this level, he may need some time to get used to his new team. He had some difficult spells at Lugano as well as some good ones so it's by no means guaranteed to work, which is why subsequently selling Hunziker - who did well at FC Winterthur last season - doesn't help. They've had to take risks to replace those they've lost. Raw winger Sow is a risk - nobody knows if he can handle this level or not. Olaigbe is a risk. Their striker position is a risk. Midfield should be ok. Metinho's departure is not yet confirmed, but they're prepared for it - that's why Thorell and Harder have joined, and it's likely Sigua will play a more important role this season (if he can stay fit) given Shaqiri's reducing importance and Koindredi's departure. Then again, if they lose Bacanin to Toulouse as expected, they don't have enough to protect their defence. Having added Victory as an option, CB is one area they don't need to worry about. Their defence in general - assuming RB Tsunemoto stays fit, and Coleen Louis adapts well at LB - looks the safest part of their team. Despite the promise of younger players though, there's still no reason to believe that this team is capable of eclipsing the paltry efforts of the team from last season.