Football Season Guide

Following a somewhat disappointing campaign (although still finishing 3rd!) last season, the club have really sent out a signal of their intent for the season ahead. For example, Thomas Darazs has been given the manager role on a permanent basis, having impressed toward the end of last season as interim manager. They've also not been afraid to splash the cash. Indeed, one of the big signings in Austria pre-season was that of international striker Entrup from TSV Hartberg - and he didn't come cheaply either. They were maligned last season for over-relying on Zulj for goals so Entrup's arrival is a huge boost for them. They've also brought in Bogarde, Lebersorger, and Mohammad as part of their 'Operation: Raid Germany', all of which should do well. It's difficult to find weaknesses in this squad as a whole. Diallo is a bit of a raw diamond in attack but will most likely only be used as an impact sub anyway. Tibidi could start similarly. It's a solid group though, capable of defending well and attacking well. RB/RWB arguably their biggest vulnerability but loaning Tavares should sort that out, even with Flecker's injury in mind. There's no reason that they can't compete for the title although winning it may still be beyond them. Defence likely to be a bit suspect at the start of the season as chances are good that Andrés Andrade will miss at least the first-half of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury, and Talovierov will miss some games due to the Olympics too, meaning Smolcic may be thrown in at the deep end whilst the Boateng saga rages on. Other than that, they should be fine. The big problem they have is the negative press surrounding the signing of Boateng, who has just concluded a court case (suspended sentence) after being accused of violence toward previous girlfriends, one of which committed suicide. The LASK fans (arguably the most volatile in Austria) have made their feelings about his arrival very clear (they're not happy!) but the club's owner has said that Boateng will remain at the club, no matter the outcome of the trial was going to be. The disharmony between club and fans could be what derails them this season.