Football Season Guide

Eupen went within minutes of dropping out and getting relegated at the end of the last regular season but a stunning burst of goals in the final half an hour saw them just pip Mechelen and save themselves by the skin of their teeth. It was a testament to the work Claude Makelele put in salvaging a situation that looked rather dire when he took over. The improvement in defensive structure was the key to staying up but there is still no escaping the fact that Eupen got very fortunate and were probably the worst side in the league for the most part. Makelele will be expecting more stability and some decent results early in the upcoming season for Eupen to enjoy a less stressful campaign. He will be looking to develop the understanding at the back and has three new players there who are expected to be regulars over the course of the season in Julian Schauerte, Spainish centre-back Xavi Molina and Birmingham full-back Cheik Keita. Things look promising in midfield and attack too as David Pollet and Daniel Milicevic arrived from strong sides like Charleroi and Gent. They are both past their 30s and not at the height of their abilities but should bring quality, nous and eye for goal. Mbaye Leye proved more of a distraction than help during his spell with the Pandas last season and the veteran marksman is expected to leave the club soon, given that he is apparently not getting along with Makelele. Goalie Hendrik van Crombrugge was subject of some serious interest from top Belgian and some abroad but for now he is staying on and this is definitely superb news for Eupen. Mickael Tirpan and Mamadou Kone, whose loan finished, look like the most important departures so far for the squad but Yuya Tokoyawa and Eric Ocansey are so far staying put and they have the pace to burn down the wings. Eupen look in decent position to compete and Makelele will feel confident that with a full pre-season that he will be able to drill the team well and keeping them clear of trouble.