Football Season Guide

Last season was a reality check exercise for Bracarenses. For the first time, a fourth team announced to be contenders for the title. After a reasonable start, a few upsets in mid-season sent Braga to their usual role in league and on the table. Braga will keep most of the squad from last season; therefore will remain a force in Portuguese league. However, it’s clear the message that Braga will take it easier this time and save the title ambition for later. The departure of manager Abel Ferreira is the most evident sign of that. The project is over, and now is time to build new ideas with Sá Pinto as the new boss. Another sign of the end of a cycle is the departure of their most valuable striker, Dyego Souza. The recent Portuguese international wouldn’t be leaving so easily after the last couple of seasons. On the other hand, there was the usual sensible domestic buying with affordable yet solid new players like Tormena and Diogo Viana joining in. The return of creative André Horta after one year in MLS is the most celebrated move so far. While the squad seems considerably strong to keep Braga’s “fourth-big” status, it is questionable that the former irascible forward Sá Pinto possesses the characteristics needed for a team like Braga.