Football Season Guide

Enjoyed a pretty decent last season. Showed attractive attacking football. Had the third-best attack in the entire league after the regular season, 50 goals scored in 30 games. Serious issues in defence prevented them from challenging for a top 6 finish though. Still a decent play-off run (3 wins, 5 draws and 2 defeats) left them second in Play-off II, so overall the season was seen as a success. After only a year in charge the progressive manager Simons left for pastures greener, so a forced change at the helm had to be made. Issame Charaï, assistant coach of Rangers in Scotland last year, is the new manager. His main job lately was as head coach of Morroco’s U23 national team where he had great success. 22-year-old striker Frigan exploded on the stage with his 14 league goals last season. He should remain stable goal-provider. After his arrival in February on loan Sakamoto impressed with goals and assists too. He is now permanently signed and the Frigan-Sakamoto duo should easy eclipse 25 league goals combined. Westerlo’s big weakness last term was their shaky defence. The one solid centre-back was young Vuskovic. He has returned to his parent club now so if anything the back line is thinner. However, the new head coach only just arrived. One thing on his wish list before signing were five defenders, so even if Westerlo can get just one-two of them there could be hope for better stability. Making the stay of solid goalkeeper Jungdal permanent is also seen as a strong move. Doğucan Haspolat will continue to be the key figure in the heart of the midfield. His ability to help the back line when needed and to dish out inch-perfect through balls make him the heart of the squad right now.