Luzern

When I saw that Frick had cut loose the likes of Schurpf and Sorgic pre-season, as well as losing Muller to Schalke 04, I feared for them. I thought he’d gone a little crazy, to be honest. He’s a brilliant manager but those changes, after the way Luzern’s campaign ended, seemed crazy. I should have known better, of course - he’s done some fantastic transfer business pre-season; arguably better than any other Swiss team. They may end up starting slowly because of their changes but they look set for a really strong campaign with this squad. It doesn’t seem like any of the returning loanees will have a role to play this season other than Ardaiz, who may get that opportunity with Sorgic gone, and having been instrumental in keeping FC Winterthur up last season. Ademi’s arrival will ensure that they’re both competing for a starting berth though, which means an exit for Abubakar is looking more and more likely, especially with the way Frick favoured youngster Villiger earlier in 2023. He also had success in fielding midfielder Chader up front so Frick does have options. The arrival of both Spadanuda and Okou might just make Luzern’s midfield one of the best in the country, assuming they settle well. They’re both lethal wide threats; the latter was the best player in the Challenge League last season, and the former is a bit too good for this level. With Beloko and Jashari running things, and Meyer pulling the strings, they really do have a midfield that can compete with Young Boys Bern’s. They don’t have clinical enough finishers by comparison, but it’s just to illustrate how strong this team is now likely to be. In defence, they’re now so confident in Beka and Burch that battle-axe Simani appears to have lost his starting berth - not a bad option to have waiting in the wings! Ottiger’s emergence last season means that Drager’s departure won’t be felt, although it’s unclear if he or Dorn will get the nod at right-back. Muller’s departure is not expected to be an issue, although curiously it’ll be youngster Loretz that becomes their mainstay rather than last season’s number two, Vasic. With Kadak (Meyer’s understudy) due to return from a lengthy injury, this team no longer has any obvious weaknesses with the proviso that they take their chances more often. Assuming their newbies settle in well, and assuming they don’t lose Burch, Dorn, Meyer, Jashari, and Beloko, they’re likely to fight with Lugano for second spot; that’s how good this squad can be. Jashari is a late concern, though - FC Basel are reportedly very interested in making him Males’ replacement.