Football Season Guide

Barely avoided relegation. Finished only 4 points above the bottom 3 in the end. It was a tough campaign. Had the 2nd most defeats (18) W9 D7. Only the 18 league goals scored by Colombian Jesús Ramírez and the 4 wins against direct rivals in the final 7 rounds saved them. Felt the need to change managers in the summer. Young João Gião (39) given his 1st job as a senior manager. He comes from Sporting’s academy where he was in charge of the Youth system and for a year of the B team. Under the new regime there will be new-look defence. Replaced the 2 main GKs with 2 new options. Marin and Goncalves are much younger options. The early rounds will likely see competition for the starting job. Also, parted ways with the main regulars at full-back from last season. De la Cruz is a great addition for the RB. Lack options at LB though. Jose Gomes the only natural for the role. Might play with 3 in defence as this is a formation the new manager favours. Jesús Ramírez is still in the team. He remains the only typical CF though so a major issue will develop if he is to miss time injured. Make a gamble with an inexperienced manager. The squad doesn’t look much better compared to last season. Poised to struggle for certain if something happens to indispensable Ramirez.