Football Season Guide

Sochi continue to go from strength to strength as Vladimir Fedotov was able to guide his side to a second placed finish last season, nine points behind champions Zenit. However, there have been some key departures over the summer as their league top goalscorer last season, Mateo Cassierra, has joined Zenit. Regular defender Rodrigao has also joined Zenit in what is another important loss. Danila Prokhin who also impressed on loan last season has returned to his parent club Rostov. Fedotov has also left to join CSKA Moscow and the loss of the head coach will likely have a key impact. Sochi have signed replacements, however, as Vladislav Sarveli joins from Krylia Sovetov. The forward scored nine goals in the league last season and will hope to improve those numbers in a better side here. Artem Meshchaninov joins from league league side Baltika to add extra options at the back. Sochi have brought in some midfield options too on free transfers from lower league side Volga Tver. All three players are still young and are likely to just be depth options at the moment. They may also look to some players making their returns from loan spells to help the side during this campaign. It will be difficult for Sochi to mount a serious title challenge after losing their best two players to rivals Zenit. They will be hoping their new signings are able to hit the ground running if they are to make a similar impact as last term.