Football Season Guide

There was some expectation surrounding Corinthians last season after Portuguese coach Vítor Pereira was signed, but Timão wasn't able to get involved in the title race. Big injuries in key players like Paulinho, Maycon, Fágner and fitness problems in Renato Augusto didn't help them, either. 'Timão' didn't reach Paulistão's final, this season, having lost to Série B team Ituano on the semi-finals. However, they started Libertadores with a very solid away win in Uruguay. With the (controversial) departure of Vítor Pereira, the new strong man is the Brazilian Fernando Lázaro. He is completely inexperienced at this level, but proved to be faitfhul and trustworthy, something that Pereira was not. He will be employing a 4-3-1-2 with Guedes definitely playing as central forward alongside Yuri Alberto. Corinthians was very quiet on the market, this season. Romero is returning to the club and the unknown Barletta will both be adding to the attacking options, but always from the bench. The biggest new "signing" is the return of Paulinho from a very long injury. Corinthians have a very strong midfield (Vera, Du Queiroz, Renato Augusto, Maycon, Paulinho and Giuliano are all excellent in the middle of the park) and a highly menacing attacking duo: Roger Guedes and Yuri Alberto. The advanced age on almost all the entire defensive system (Cássio, 35; Fágner, 33; Gil, 35; Fábio Santos 37; Balbuena, 31) is an absolute concern. The irascibility of Roger Guedes needs special attention, too. Renato Augusto is the most qualified player in the squad, and even with 35 years old he still makes the team play around him. Adson is the hottest young talent in the squad, while Vera, Du Queiroz and Roni, all with 23, will be crucial to counter with the team's very high average age.