Football Season Guide

KV Kortrijk

In


Michiel Jonckheere (mid) Oostende; Mohammad Naderi (def) Perspolis – end of loan;

Out


Sebastien Bruzzese (r) (gk) released; Tuta (r) (def) Eintracht Frankfurt – end of loan; Fraser Hornby (sp) (att) Everton U23 – end of loan; Vladimir Kovacevic (sp) (def) Vojvodina; Andriy Batsula (sp) (def) Dinamo Minsk; Larry Azouni (sp) (def) released; Elohim Rolland (sp) (mid) released; Herve Kage (sp) (mid) released;

Kortrijk had not very memorable last season that saw managerial change taking place in mid-November, which proved the right move as the results after that were better. The Reds still kept conceding lots of goals, but decisive wins against those sides below them secured safety relatively early. Yves Vanderhaeghe had long off-season to prepare, but the lack of money has hit Kortrijk hard and there is lots of uncertainty around the squad at the minute. Michiel Jonckheere is the only new signing so far, but at least the only regulars that left up to now are goalkeeper Bruzzese and centre-back Tuta. Still many other supporting players departed and the squad’s depth is not good. With very small squad Kortrijk can’t be expected to start strong, but one thing certain right now is that pretty much all forward actions will be focused through impressive 21-year-old Terem Moffi, who’s very good centre forward that can win any game. Keeping him in the squad before the transfer window closes in October will be major challenge though. At the minute the main strength of the team is the heart of their midfield. With so many inner midfielders and not enough options in other parts of the pitch it won’t be a surprise if some of those players are used out of position. Lepoint can start some games at centre-back, while both Stojanovic and De Sart could be utilised as false nines. Lack of depth and not enough quality in defence are serious issues that need addressing as soon as possible. Currently Kortrijk are one of several teams looking very ill-prepared for the start of the season.

Target


Staying out of trouble should be achieved relatively easy, but will need luck to trouble top 8.