Football Season Guide

Boss Manfred Schmid's contract was not renewed at the end of last season. Veteran boss Dietmar Kuhbauer was brought in to replace him, which was a gamble as he earned his spurs in a different era to this one. It's widely speculated that he will not be able to keep this team playing modern football and thus another unimpressive campaign looms after finishing in the Relegation Group last season. Despite winning the Relegation Group last season, they bottled it and lost a play-off against Austria Vienna and thus will not play in Europe this season. That was enough to see one of their star attackers Boakye leave. With Tijani's loan spell ending, and Mainz 05 poaching Veratschnig, it's not been a great pre-season. There are plenty of rumours about clubs coming in for Jasic too. Zimmermann and Ibertsberger are not going to be losses, though - they knew some months ago that affording Zimmermann was not possible, and Ibertsberger did not impress enough. Altunashvili is another that could move on though. Have done what they can in the transfer market but nothing groundbreaking. Wimmer's arrival in defence should help make them harder to score against. Serbian playmaker Zukic has done well in recent friendlies and should help them to control games better. Unclear if Polster or Gutlbauer will star between the sticks; likely the latter. Gattermayer has looked a good dynamic threat; likely perceived as Boakye's replacement. Definitely a downgrade overall though. Unless the likes of Karamoko, Morgenstern, and Diabate step up this season, it'll be Ballo fighting the Alamo - and he most likely won't stick around for it. They know that though, and have panic-bought David Atanga to try and help out in attack. They must keep hold of Altunashvili and Jasic if they're to avoid embarrassing themselves this season. Muller ready for more football too. It's a group of 'maybes' more than anything with a managerial appointment that smarts more of buying time than a pragmatic long-term approach.