Football Season Guide

Solid last season but missed on Europe. Finished 6th. Made a decent run early in the season but this wasn’t enough. Gil Vicente had 13 league wins, 7 of those came in the opening 9 rounds. The rest of the way the form was below average. Both Pablo and Murilo Costa shone in attack. Combined they had 21 league goals. GK Andrew also shone early in the campaign. He lost form come the spring but still his overall impact was largely positive. Looking for a fresh start this season. Changed managers. Young Luis Pinto promoted Tondela 2 years ago. Last season in charge of Vitoria de Guimarares. It didn’t work for him there. Pinto likes to operate in a low block and use transition attacks to open teams. The roster is suited for this. Gil Vicente have lots of fast wingers and full-backs on their books. New RB Esgaio and LB Konan could often join the attacks when possession is reclaimed. Both are aggressive full-backs. Marvin Elimbi’s health remains a concern. When he plays the defence is solid, when he misses Gil allow lots more big chances. Spanish AM Santi García should continue as a crucial figure. His passes and precise crosses brought lots of joy last season. Big void will need to be filled in the deep-lying-midfielder role. The big star from last season Luís Esteves is gone. Loaned in Diogo Prioste is a similar type of player but he is very young. Overall Gil look very similar in terms of strength to last season. Even if Pablo’s departure in the winter left Murilo as the only major threat on the wings.