Football Season Guide

Calm last season. Finished 10th after W10 D9 L15 record. Considering Estoril had the 3rd worst defence, 57 goals conceded in 34 rounds, this outcome was not too bad. The attack impressed, scored 54 goals, which was the 5th best record. The most impressive player was striker Yanis Begraoui with his 20 league goals, finished 3rd in the Golden Boot standings. It has been a passive summer so far. The only new signing LB Fernando Medrano is not seen as a regular starter. At the same time, the poor already defence lost their best CB Boma. He was sold. No other major departures at least, so the core of the team remains largely the same. The main change has been that of the manager. After 2 years at the helm Cathro left to take charge of Saint-Etienne in France. His replacement Vasco Matos spent the last 3 years coaching Santa Clara. He is highly regarded as the better head coach of the 2. Young CBs Bimai (20) and Tsoungui (22) didn’t see much use last term. Both tipped to play more often this season. The former seen as a major breakthrough prospect so he could have his 1st year of regular use at senior level. Relying on developing them seems to be the main hope for improved defending. Matos’s tactics with high-pressing and intense short-passing in midfield should continue. Moving the ball fast when in possession had been part of every team’s MO that Matos has managed. For now goal machine Yanis Begraoui stays put. He should get more support from winter arrival Edwards in attack this term. Also, captain João Carvalho hopes to stay fitter. When he plays Estoril create double the amount of big chances. Don’t look much stronger or weaker compared to last season so another year of mid-table existence can be expected.