Football Season Guide

A strong season for Monchengladbach earned them a fourth-place finish and a return to Champions League football. The catalyst for their success was their impressive home form and great first-half of the campaign. Things could have been better for Gladbach had they not suffered injuries and a dip in form towards the end. Coach Marco Rose has made a few additions during the summer as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of what could be a busy season. Midfielder’s Hannes Wolf and Valentino Lazaro have both joined on loan from Leipzig and Inter respectively, while promising American youngster Joe Scally will provide decent cover at right-back for Stefan Lainer but does not arrive until January. Rose will look for more of the same from his team this season, well equipped and organised as well as dangerous going forward. He has managed to keep hold of his best players and this will be a big boost. Strikers Alassane Plea and Breel Embolo will look to be amongst the goals again this campaign, while winger Ibrahima Thuram will no doubt make a healthy contribution. Yann Sommer had a standout season last year between the sticks and Rose will be hoping for more of the same from his goalkeeper.