Football Season Guide

Dynamo Dresden enjoyed a finish well above most expectations last season but coach Uwe Neuhaus is still working with very strict budget restrictions and, as a result of that, the Yellow & Blacks were forced to part ways with four of their most important players this summer. The departures of all of Gogia, Stefaniak, Modica and Kutschke are seriously depleting the squad and Dynamo are expected to struggle this time around. Neuhaus tried to sign replacements to the best of his abilities and, if nothing else, the arrival of the experienced Gonther should compensate for Modica leaving but the real problems of the team are expected to be at the other end of the pitch. Last season Kutschke, Gogia and Stefaniak scored or created over 70% of the goals for Dynamo and, with all of them gone, there are many question marks as to who will be providing the goods up front. Testroet is the only experienced centre-forward left in the squad and, at least for now, he seems the obvious option to lead the attack. The only other striker, Roser, lacks experience at this level. Horvath and Moschl were signed to provide extra options for the left wing and the number 10 role but both of them spent most of the last two years sitting on the bench for their previous clubs and their condition is very questionable. With that in mind, youngster Berko is expected to be the one to replace Stefaniak as a regular starter down the left wing. The talented youngster Hauptmann will be aged 21 this year and, after bursting onto the main stage last season, he is likely to be much more involved now. Next to the experienced Lambertz and Hartmann he can become a superstar but this is a big "if", as his scoring abilities have been below par so far. Dynamo are also missing depth in defence where there are only three centre-backs available and, at least for now, the squad looks incomplete and not ready for the new season.