Football Season Guide

Servette

In


Patrick Pflücke (mid), transfer from Roda JC Kerkrade, Samba Lele Diba (mid), transfer from ASAC Ndiambour

Out


Vincent Sasso (def) (r), transfer to Boavista, Anthony Sauthier (def) (sp), contract expired, Papu Mendes (mid) (sp), contract expired, Nils Pedat (mid) (sp), contract expired, Ricardo Azevedo (mid) (sp), contract terminated.

Sauthier leaving pre-season was expected; the club already bade him farewell for good when he just left on loan for the second-half of the club’s last campaign so he’s already been replaced. Sasso and Clichy, though? They'd be sorely missed, and it’s a big gamble from Servette to not replace either. As it transpires, they've roped Clichy into another year but only a week before the season commences, which speaks volumes. Behrami looked really good at times last season so may start playing a bit more at LB with Clichy seemingly living on borrowed time. If not, Bauer could be moved to that side instead. Sasso was the more consistent of the three CBs last season and, although it’s not bad to have Rouiller alongside Vouilloz, there’s a real lack of depth in the CB position this season, and absolutely no signs of that changing via new signings. Severin can play at CB or LB but is average. Depth was a huge problem for the club last season; their results and performances worsened considerably when without key players because replacements were not there, and this season should not be any different (barring a flurry of late arrivals). Bedia is the only genuine striker in the squad, and Geiger didn’t seem all that happy with him last season. Rodelin and Oberlin cannot be trusted to lead the line. Should get Fofana back this season, who missed all of their last campaign - he was superb the season before his injury. Midfield remains by far their strongest area. Interestingly, wantaway creator Imeri has stayed thus far. If he remains at the club, then it’ll be down to him and Stevanovic to guide their attack through matches. Pflücke was a weird gamble pre-season; this is the highest level he’s ever played at so he’s a wild card. Likely to thrive as underdogs and disappoint as favourites. Will seriously struggle the moment they lose any of their regulars (other than in CM) because there’s simply no depth. Key players - Stevanovic, Imeri, Valls, Diallo

Target


5-7