Football Season Guide

An excellent performance in 2020-2021 for Açorianos. In fact, it was their best season ever, having reached European competitions for the first time in their history. Santa Clara has been doing very well in recent years in building their squad. Açorianos have been careful and sensible in their approach to the market, and this season seems to be no different. For now, only the key centre-half Fábio Cardoso left, while there are rumours about Morita and Carlos Júnior having a few clubs interested in them. Keeping last season's backbone has been the club's high priority. Kennedy Boateng arrived from Austria to replace Cardoso at the back, but for now João Afonso seems the partner for Villanueva. Keeping Morita will be crucial to keep the high quality in midfield. But there are good news with Anderson Carvalho and Rúben Oliveira now free of the constant injuries that bothered them last season. Keeping the talented playmaker Lincoln for his 3rd season in the club is a great achievement. In attack, it would be great to keep the star of last season, Carlos Júnior. The winger was the biggest source for creation in attack. Ukra and Salomão left after disappointing seasons. Segunda Liga second top scorer Bouldini arrived from Académica and may be an interesting addition. Coach Daniel Ramos should keep rotating between the traditional 4-2-3-1 (with Lincoln as n.10) and a 4-3-3 with a more compact midfield. In any version, Açorianos will try to keep their positive, attacking style, mixing possession and direct style at times.