Football Season Guide

Ended a 3-year stay in the lower division in style. Champions of Liga 2. Well ahead of everyone with impressive record W20 D6 L8. Only 29 goals conceded and maximum points against their direct rivals was crucial. Coach Moita orchestrated the promotion. He was tempted by a bigger club in the summer though. No longer in the team. Replaced by the long-serving as an assistant coach under Erick ten Haag Dutchman Mitchell van der Gaag. He coached Zurich for 11 games last season, before that helped ten Haag both at Ajax and Man Utd. Progressive high-press tactics characterise the new manager’s belief system. Maritimo should operate at high intensity and use high pressing when out of possession. The 2 main departures this summer in defence. GK Samu and main RB Grande are gone. Pastor seems set to be the number 1 GK, at least early in the season. Added 4 new defenders already so the depth in this area should be good. Captain Correia will still be the main figure at the back. Madsen and new CB Szalai are suited to play both in 4-man and 5-man formations so Maritimo have flexibility defensively. Wingers Martín Tejón and Simo Bouzaidi were huge last term. Both expected to play even more important roles this season. Their precise crossing makes them valuable. Danilovic and Guzzo are likely to remain the preferred starters in midfield. Both have rich experience. Both share a strong family bond too. Always share a hotel room on the road and they were each other’s best man at their respected weddings. The squad’s depth was strengthened this summer. Some experienced players joined in giving flexibilities when it comes to tactics and formations. All-in-all the team looks prepared for the challenge of the higher division.