Many soccer teams around the world recover from losing their captain and midfield inspiration between seasons, and many would even shrug off the departure of their best defender soon after.
But few could subsequently sell five international players and still manage to find a new coach to begin the season with a smile on his face.
But Josip Kuze believes he has much to be happy about as he prepares for the big kickoff with his new club, JEF United Chiba.