Royal Antwerp

The champions from just three years ago Antwerp had back-to-back difficult campaigns. Falling on hard times financially led to challenging times. Antwerp badly needed European football but they missed out on it last season in the most dramatic of ways. Forced to trust many youngsters and having serious depth deficit in attack and in the wide areas always signalled for a difficult campaign. Still Antwerp made the top 6 and finished fifth after the play-offs. Then they had to beat Charleroi at home to claim the final European visa. Unfortunately, a 1:2 loss meant that the second head coach for that campaign was sacked and Antwerp had to sell star players again just so they can keep their license. Despite his 36 years playmaker Chery was Antwerp’s top goalscorer last season with 14 goals. He also produced 12 assists. Yet, the Royals had no choice but to sell him. The solid holding midfielder Riedewald was released too, the club couldn’t afford his high wage. The back line has been decimated also. Captain Alderweireld retired so now the team’s best centre-back is gone. The pair of main full-backs Bataille and Deman are also no longer in the team. With the finances of the team so bad struggle to find quality replacements. So far the only notable new signing is the unproven Uzbek winger Urinboev. Foulon and Hairemans were also signed, both had disappointing campaigns last term. Yet, the former should become a regular starter at full-back. 20-year-old centre-back Bozhinov hardly featured in his first year in Belgium. Yet now he could become a regular starter with Alderweireld gone and Engels injury-prone for the last two seasons. Last season relied on average on four or more Academy players in most matches. This figure could increase even more now. The lack of money meant that even at the managerial role had to go for their sixth choice. Stef Wils, he spent his entire career as an assistant coach for the various age groups at Antwerp, is given his first head coach role. He is an unknown quantity but at least he knows the club well.