Football Season Guide

Karagumruk had a decent season last year, repeating the result from the season prior to it and finishing 8th in Super Lig while working with Francesco Farioli and Volkan Demirel as the managers. Karagumruk decided to replace manager Demirel with Andrea Pirlo for this season. Ibrahim Dresevic is brought in to strengthen the weakened central defence position after Zukanovic and Luckassen departed. Other important transfers include former Super Lig most scorer Mbaye Diagne to replace Aleksandar Pesic, key striker of last season. Diagne is expected to be the main goal threat for the Istanbul side this season. Colin Kazim-Richards was added to the squad which should increase the quality of attack for Karagumruk. Kazim-Richards is expected to play as a winger or a centre-forward if Pirlo desires. Matteo Ricci was brought in from Italy’s Serie B division to cover for experienced central midfielder Lucas Biglia. The above players should all be starters in Pirlo’s team next season. Despite the signing of these high-potential players, Karagumruk lost many players as well. The most important departures are young winger Emre Mor, experienced central midfielder Lucas Biglia, regular left-back Jure Balkovec, key striker Pesic, and many other players who played occasionally.