Football Season Guide

Akhmat have existed in mid-table for way too long now (7 consecutive seasons of mid-table finishes) and coach Rakhimov is given the task to try and qualify the Chechens for Europe this season. Akhmat released several underperforming players in the summer, while big money were paid for the right winger Michalak, plus vastly experienced Glushakov joined on free. With them added to the already impressive group of quality midfielders Akhmat look like a team that should be able to dominate in the middle of the park in most games. The main issue in previous seasons has been the absence of prolific goalscorer and this seems likely to continue being the Achilles heel for the Chechens. Mbenge showed flashes of brilliance at times in the last 3 seasons and this is likely to be the year in which the Senegalese forward is finally rewarded with the role of main striker. Rakhimov is flexible with his formation choices and he is a manager not afraid to pick various shapes depending on the opponent. Last season Akhmat used 3,4 and 5 at the back in different games and this constant changing of shapes is likely to continue. At the minute Akhmat have only 4 typical defenders on their books, but with at least 3 new names likely to sign with the Chechens soon cover options should be available. Youngster Ravanelli had very strong spring and if he continues with his positive progression he might be the team’s big star throughout the campaign. The Brazilian is mainly used in the number ten role, but he feels comfortable also in the false nine role.