Football Season Guide

Grasshopper are coming from a season that, as a whole, was decent for them, as they managed to qualify for the Europa League, but there is no escaping from the fact that the Zurichers do not have any momentum going into the new season after having been in a state of free fall in the second half of the previous season. They actually looked like the only side capable of challenging Basel for the title until late in the autumn season, but they then lost their early season form and never got it back, eventually finishing fourth only due to the superb first third of the campaign that they have had. The Zurichers' lack of momentum is only one reason why their fans will feel worried going into the new season, with the other being that they have lost two of their best attacking players in Munas Dabbur and Shani Tarashaj, who have joined Salzburg and Everton, respectively. Veteran Philippe Senderos has also left, as has promising young defender Moritz Bauer. With Georgi Milanov also leaving, Grasshopper have therefore lost as many as five potential starters. On the bright side, they have made some interesting signings - Ridge Munsy has had an excellent season with Thun and, while not being in Dabbur's quality bracket, will probably get them goals, while the likes of Lucas Andersen and Runar Mar Sigurjonsson both seem like exciting players, although they are both obviously stabs in the dark, due to their lack of previous Super League experience. Another problem that Pierluigi Tami is facing going into the new season is his squad's lack of depth: Grasshopper already had one of the smallest squads in the league and now, with more players leaving than joining, the situation is even worse in this regard. Despite all of this, Grasshopper still have one of the better squads in the league, and anything other than a top half finish will be seen as a disappointment.