Football Season Guide

Ingolstadt were a force under Thomas Oral last season, eventually gaining promotion to the second-tier via the play-offs. Despite leading the side to promotion, Oral’s contract was not renewed and he was replaced in the summer by youth team coach Roberto Patzold. It will be seen as a gamble by the club, but one they feel is the right decision moving forward. There have been limited resources available for Patzold in the summer and that has been proven with just two players signed, both on a free transfer. Defensive midfielder Balla and right-back Marx are both credible additions but you feel more is needed before the window shuts. The majority of the squad has been kept together from last season apart from a couple of departures, this will be a positive for Ingolstadt and certainly a strength when they need to dig deep. The form of star striker Stefan Kutschke will also be key. Strength in depth is a real concern for Ingolstadt as well as their ability to keep it tight at the back, they conceded 40 times in 38 matches in the league below and will be facing much better opposition this time round.