AUGSBURG
Last season saw Augsburg avoid the drop with some room to spare, as their 38 points earned over the course of 34 matches was enough to guarantee safety. Now under the tutelage of a new manager, Enrico Maasen, die Fuggerstadter will hope to compete for a place in the top half of the table. It naturally will not be easy, as they’ve seen several players depart, but Augsburg have attempted to mitigate this by making some key signings from other rival teams. Time will tell, however, if this time around will spell better fortunes.
MANAGER: Enrico Maassen
KEY ARRIVALS: Bauer (Greuther Furth), Maier (Hertha Berlin), Demirovic (Freiburg)
KEY DEPARTURES: Gregoritsch (Freiburg), Moravek (released), Finnbogason (released)
LAST YEAR FINISH: 14th
BAYER LEVERKUSEN
Bayer Leverkusen are among a cluster of teams who will do their utmost to prevent an 11th straight Bundesliga title for Bayern Munich. In a bid to further bolster their attack for the league and in the Champions League, Leverkusen have brought in exciting youngster Adam Hložek, who plays alongside key striker Patrik Schick in the Czech national squad. It was otherwise a very quiet transfer window, so Schick and fellow forward Moussa Diaby will again be relied upon for goals, while it could be a big campaign for an exciting crop of young defenders.
MANAGER: Gerardo Seoane
KEY ARRIVALS: Hlozek (Sparta Prague)
KEY DEPARTURES: Alario (Eintracht Frankfurt), Fofana (Nuremberg)
LAST YEAR FINISH: 3rd
‘ALOT OF CLUBS WILL TRY TO DE-THRONE THE 11
