Football Season Guide

Rostov were one of the more frustrating sides in the league last season as they at times looked excellent going forward and really clicked in the final third. But these moments were far too fleeting and the Yellow and Blues never really sustained a challenge for the top six, settling into a comfortable position in mid-table. Valeri Karpin has a squad that should be capable of more than just that and he must feel some pressure from above to start being more ambitious and demanding of his side, especially given the investments that have been made in it over the past two years. This off season has been quieter so far in terms of arrivals but it has the potential to pick up as Rostov have a tendency to bring in players close to the deadline. They need more options across the back, and especially in full-back areas, while the options on the wings are not too eye-catching as well. The centre-back pairing of Dennis Hadzikadunic and Maksim Osipenko is one of the better ones in the league but there is little depth behind them. Yet, in Ali Sowe and new signing Nikolai Komlichenko, Rostov have the potential to be quite dangerous in attack this season, especially if the exciting Mathias Normann keeps supplying good passes from midfield. Rostov have the basis of a good side that can go places but they probably need a more demanding and flexible coach to unlock the potential and make them a more viable candidate for Europe.