Football Season Guide

Only a year after being relegated KTP bounced back up in style. They were champions of the Second Tier in 2024 with 18 wins and only 5 defeats in 27 rounds. KTP scored goals at will last season. They bagged in 75 goals in these 27 games, 24 more than the second-best record. The progressive tactics used by the first-year manager Jonas Nyholm impressed. Experienced striker Aleksi Tarvonen benefited from the attacking formation and he won the Golden Boot with his 15 goals. KTP had 3 other players that scored 8 and more goals in 2024. KTP’s star playmaker in 2024 Anttoni Huttunen, voted Player of the Season in the second tier, scored 8 goals and produced 14 assists. However, he left this winter, opening a huge gap at the number 10 role. None of the other departures were expected to play much in the top flight. KTP opted to target experienced veterans for their new signings. 30-year-old goalie Koski returns to the club and should be the new number one; 37-year-old centre-back Toivio will pair with 35-year-old captain Sumusalo in defence; attacking midfielders Forsell, age 34, and Tanaka, age 37, were seen as smart moves to replace Huttunen. The pair will likely rotate in the number 10 role. Only 2 years ago Forsell was considered the best player in the entire Veikkausliiga in that position so KTP might have found a gem in him. All these veterans should help the very young head coach, Nyholm is only 32-years-old, as he embarks in his first season at this level. KTP can’t expect to continue scoring so many goals and improving their defensive stability will be vital for them.