Football Season Guide

Rostock lived to fight another day in the division despite the sacking of both Hartel and Glockner. The club were in real trouble when Schwartz took charge in March but the experienced coach brought confidence and togetherness back to the side and they finished strongly to survive. There is plenty of optimism that Rostock can move forward with some decent new players and Schwartz still at the helm. A total of eight have arrived so far but lots of fringe players have left to trim down an over-inflated squad. The main problem for Hansa last season was their lack of goals, so there is no surprise they’ve strengthened in that area. Guler netted 23 times in 29 games for Wuppertaler SV last term and will be hoping to make his mark in the second tier. Attacking midfielder Singh has bags of potential but has yet to fulfil it after a frustrating loan spell at Regensburg previously. He could be a game-changer if he can stay injury-free. Bachmann and Kinsombi have also been reunited with their former boss and can help to add goals and assists. Hansa have also strengthened in other areas. Vasiliadis is an experienced midfielder at this level, having regularly featured for Bielefeld and Paderborn in the past. The robust and hardworking Rossipal joins at left-back while Husing and Nkoa can also help in central defence. A good start will be key for the club to push on this season, but failure to do so could see the confidence drop.