Football Season Guide

Luzern are coming from a rather interesting season which saw them going up and down, but eventually doing well enough to finish inside the European places. Markus Babbel, whose future was under scrutiny midway through the season, has signed a contract extension, and the former German international will be given the mid-term goal of helping his side reach Young Boys' level, with the Berners currently widely being seen as the second-best team in the league. Quite a lot of players have left the club during the summer, with the biggest loss certainly being the departure of Michael Frey, who joined in the winter and had an impressive spring season, but will now continue his career with his boyhood club Young Boys. The list of arrivals is a mix of youth and experience, with former Granada man Ricardo Costa being the sole new arrival who is expected to become an instant starter. Despite losing some of their squad depth during the summer, Luzern have a very good side, with their main problem being a lack of options up-front - they do not have a proven striker other than Marco Schneuwly, and summer signings Cedric Itten and Tomi Juric will therefore be under pressure to deliver. The Blues could well yet make a signing or two, as Babbel will likely feel that his side are a few more players short of being able to really challenge Young Boys for second.