Football Season Guide

The Bulls were helped by luck last season when achieving another qualification for Europe in the final round and they are now expected to be much better. Krasnodar have arguably the best stadium in the country and their goals are very high ahead of the new campaign. The board of the club confirmed that coach Shalimov was asked to secure the first ever top 2 finish for the Bulls this year and qualify them for their debut Champions League experience. With the weight of expectations so high, the gaffer might be feeling pressure if the season doesn't start very well. His main focus over the summer seems to be on his team's finishing skills as last year Krasnodar lost only a handful of matches but, because they were too wasteful in front of goal, too many draws were registered. The early transfer activity saw veteran right-back Kaleshin retiring and the experienced striker Wanderson leaving. Krasnodar didn't remain passive though and they signed a new Wanderson from RB Salzburg, with the sum paid for him certain to make him a regular down the right wing where he prefers to operate. The winter arrival Claesson is expected to support the extremely effective striker Smolov from the other flank and, at least in terms of first-choice options in attack, Krasnodar look really impressive. However, once again, the reason for concern is the lack of depth and at least 2-3 more attacking players are needed if the Bulls are to feel confident of their chances to challenge for the top positions. If this doesn't happen, Krasnodar will have to hope that all of their forward players remain fit and healthy all season, which is always a risky policy. At least further down the field, the options are better and, with five very solid central midfielders fiercely competing for three starting places and two newly signed experienced full-backs from Lokomotiv, the defensive stability is expected to be better. The Bulls also welcomed back two centre-backs from loan spells and, as the intentions are to keep both Standberg and Zhirov in the group this season, there will be an option for Shalimov to try a formation with three at the back. Still most pundits think that the lack of options up front is making Krasnodar's selection incomplete and only if the Bulls strengthen their attack, will they be seen as serious contenders for the title.