Football Season Guide

Willem II

In


Mats Köhlert (att)( Hamburger SV II on loan); Ché Nunnely (att)(Ajax U21 on loan)

Out


Kristófer Kristinsson (sp)(att)(Grenoble); Elmo Lieftink (mid)(Go Ahead Eagles); Atakan Akkaynak (mid)( C. Rizespor on loan); Vurnon Anita (sp)(mid)(Leeds end of loan); Alexander Isak (k)(att)(Borussia Dortmund end of loan); Diego Palacios (r)(def)(SD Aucas end of loan); Renato Tapia (r)(mid)(Feyenoord end of loan); Dan Crowley (r)(mid)(Birmingham)

The past one was a positive campaign for the Tricolores even if in the end the outcome was a bit harsh. Until spring they had built the foundations for an excellent season: an impressive path in KNVB Cup had led them to reach the final, and in Eredivisie were well inside the playoff zone to access Europa League. In the last month they threw everything away, were thrashed by Ajax in the Cup Final, and in the League collected only one point in the last four games, slipping out of the playoff zone just in the end. During the summer transfer market, three very important players left, one per sector: top scorer Alexander Isak, left-back Diego Palacios and midfielder Renato Tapia...they were all on loan and went back to their respective owners. At the moment the gaps aren’t filled, and if something doesn’t move, they definitely won’t repeat the past season. Only two interesting but very young strikers came in Tilburg, both on loan, Kohlert from Hamburger and Nunnelly from Ajax. The positive note is that they can rely on a very experienced coach as Adrie Koster, who knows the squad and the environment very well.

Target


As for the season’s goals, Willem II will try to reach a spot in the playoffs for Europa League, but it won’t be easy if they don’t fill in the gaps in the list.