Football Season Guide

SSV Ulm 1846

In


Semir Telalovic (att) Blackburn Rovers; Niklas Kolbe (def) Stuttgarter Kickers; Niklas Kolle (def) MSV Duisburg; Jonathan Meier (def) Dynamo Dresden; Niklas Castelle (att) Schalke 04; Maurice Krattenmacher (mid) Bayern Munich - on loan; Aaron Keller (att) SpVgg Unterhaching - on loan; Laurin Ulrich (mid) VfB Stuttgart - on loan; Luka Hyrylainen (mid) TSG Hoffenheim II - on loan;

Out


Leo Scienza (mid) (k) FC Heidenheim; Moritz Hannemann (att) (sp) Lorenz Otto (gk) (sp) Rot-Weiß Erfurt; Christoph Maier (mid) TSV Steinbach; Mert Tasdelen (mid) SG Sonnenhof Großaspach; Nicolas Jann (mid) (r) released; Thomas Kastanaras (att) (sp) VfB Stuttgart - end of loan;

Ulm won the third division in style last season to gain promotion back to the second-tier for the first time since 2001. The Sparrows were expected to struggle but soon found themselves at the top-end of the table, they grew in confidence into the new year with a sensational unbeaten run from January onwards. Head coach Thomas Worle has done a marvellous job since taking over in 2021 and has led the side up from the fourth-tier in the space of two seasons. This will of course be a big test for his side, but the togetherness he brings to the squad should help them to compete. Unfortunately Ulm will have to do it without star performer Leo Scienza. The Brazilian was snapped up by Bundesliga side Heidenheim, after an impressive 12 goals and 15 assists last season. Ulm’s success last season was built on their solid defence, they conceded just 7 times in their final 16 matches. Club captain Reichert isn’t getting any younger but has been an absolute rock in the heart of the backline. Goalkeeper Ortag is also still on board after a strong last campaign. Extra resources have been brought in with trio Kolle, Kolbe, and Beier all joining the club. Due to their lack of financial muscle compared to others, Ulm have mainly secured loans and free transfers during the summer window. Boss Worle has a good history working with young players so it's no surprise that five of the new faces are under 22 years of age. The standout talents are Krattenmacher and Ulrich who have both joined on loan from Bayern and Stuttgart respectively, both are looking to show what they can do in the midfield area. Striker Telalovic is also a decent signing for the club despite his struggles at previous club Blackburn. The former Gladbach man has plenty of potential and this could be a good move for him to get his confidence back.

Target


Survival is of course the aim for Ulm but don’t be surprised if they punch above their weight this season. Elversberg proved it can be done with the right man in charge, and in Thomas Worle they certainly have that.