From the 4 newly promoted teams this year, Fortaleza was the one that presented better conditions to have a solid season, and Leão do Pici didn’t disappoint. With a very bold Rogério Ceni at the helm, Fortaleza was a joy to watch, while grabbing a record-breaking Série A performance.
Rogério Ceni surprised the country by keeping the courageous 4-2-4 (4 real forwards) that got them the Série B title in 2018, not afraid to play an attacking style at top flight, even against the top teams. Surely it cost a couple of heavy defeats, but in the end it paid off as Fortaleza was able to get 15 victories and 50 goals scored.
Ceni’s results were so impressive that Cruzeiro signed with him in the middle of the season. Zé Ricardo replaced him. However, things didn’t went well for both, and Ceni ended up rejoining the club for the final third of the year, rescuing Fortaleza’s attacking identity and good results.
There was a frequent rotation in some positions, but the midfield duo Felipe+Juninho was a solid core during the season in which Ceni and Zé Ricardo heavily relied. Wellington Paulista gradually became the goalscoring reference. Quintero and Felipe Alves were very important at the back.
It will be very hard for the club to keep Rogério Ceni on board as the former goalkeeper has a few clubs interested on him. The club’s small finances may also mean they’ll be losing a few key players. Next season may not be as colorful as this one…
