Football Season Guide

After 10 years in the lower leagues Jaro returned to the top flight last season. They secured the second spot with their all-or-nothing approach. Had only 3 draws in 27 rounds, the fewest in the division, while able to secure 17 wins. Then in dramatic promotion play-off against Lahti won the first leg 2:0 at home and despite losing 0:1 on the road celebrated their return to the top flight. Sergey Eremenko was sensational in the middle of the park all season. He was voted Midfielder of the Year in the division for a very good reason. Jaro had the second-best scoring record with 51 goals but they lacked a proven goalscorer. No single player scored more than 7 goals and going forward this could prove an issue. Continue to look a bit light in attack. The only typical centre forward on the roster is the new striker Kerfala Cissoko. He scored 19 goals in 29 games in Sweden’s third tier last season. Yet to be seen if he can replicate this form in Finland where he has never played before. There are a bunch of new wingers to help him. Also, the talented attacking midfielder Filip Valencic was signed. This will likely see Eremenko dropping to play in a deeper role, next to another new signing Kusu. The main departure of the winter was that of star left-back Sipola. Yet to sign a replacement and it seems 33-year-old Guillermo Sotelo will be given the opportunity in the role. The Argentine is solid but doesn’t carry much attacking threat. Considering that Jaro are expected to defend deep in most games this might not be such a bad thing.