Football Season Guide

Club Brugge could not defend their title last season and eventually ended up second best in a tussle with a superb Genk side. It was hardly a bad season as a whole, with good progress made in Europe, but it was not enough to keep Ivan Leko in the job. The club moved in to bring back the coach of the title winners, Philippe Clement, who was a player with the Black and Blue and also an assistant to Michel Preud'homme a few years ago. It is a powerful move from Brugge and one that certainly makes them title favourites given the squad upheaval at Genk this summer as well. Brugge did lose some star players of their own but the losses of Wesley and Stefano Denswil do not feel that vital and irreparable to a squad that has some real talent and experience. In fact, keeping hold of the brilliant Hans Vanaken for now can count as the biggest transfer success of the club this summer. Nigerian David Okereke, who played in Serie B last season and attracted interest from the Premier League, is the main who is to take over the mantle from Wesley and should be the lead striker this season. He is of a similar physical build and it remains to be seen whether he could be as prolific. Simon Deli is a pretty impressive signing with good pedigree as well and should improve the team. Clement will need some time to get the players comfortable in his 4-3-3 system, after they have played a system with three at the back for the last two seasons, but it should not be much of an issue, and Brugge look geared up for a big push for the title this season.