Football Season Guide

IFK Gothenburg

In


Giannis Anestis (gk) free agent; Junes Barny (mid) Hammarby; Sebastian Eriksson (mid) Panetolikos; Nzuzi Toko (mid) Al Fateh; Giorgi Kharaishvili (mid) Saburtalo – loan made permanent; Benjamin Yapi Zalo (def) Utsikten – end of loan;

Out


Emil Salomonsson (r) (def) Sanfrecce Hiroshima; Vajebah Sakor (r) (mid) OFI Crete; Fredrik Jensen (r) (mid) Zulte Waregem – end of loan; Tobias Hysen (r) (att) end of career; David Boo Wiklander (sp) (def) end of career; Marcus Degerlund (sp) (def) Hammarby – end of loan; Billy Nordstrom (sp) (def) Brommapojkarna; Jake Weisbrod (def) Oddevold; Prosper Kasim (att) Legion FC;

After another mediocre season last time around the ‘fallen giants’ Gothenburg continue to rebuild and as they don’t have the finances to seek big things they decided to leave 33-year-old Poya Asbaghi in charge as he had decent, if not excellent, 2018. As many as 4 regulars left the club in the winter, but Gothenburg were able to sign permanently Georgina playmaker Kharaishvili and after very strong showings in 2018 he is expected to be crucial this term too. With Eriksson returning to the club after unsuccessful spell in Greece and 2 more inner midfielders added to the ranks Gothenburg should have enough depth in this area of the pitch. Up front Soder will be the main goal threat, with Abraham and 3 youngsters the other forward players. Lagemyr had 2018 ruined by injuries, but now at 22 and after strong pre-season he might emerge as a star this campaign. Gothenburg had many issues in defence last season and with not a single new signing in that area of the pitch, while at same time letting 2 centre-backs and 2 full-backs leave there is concern that Blue and Whites will struggle to keep clean sheets. In fact the numbers at the back are so short that midfielder Erlingmark was used as a centre-back in pre-season and he might have to be filling in when this is needed.

Target


Aim is to finish in top half of table, but this could happen only if everyone important remains healthy and performs at high level all season. Should be able to stay out of trouble, but at same time unlikely to challenge the top 6.