CS Maritimo

Last season had two different periods. The start was very poor, with Spanish coach Julio Velazquez being sacked after just 1 win in the first 11 rounds. Things immediately improved after Vasco Seabra arrived. From round 12 to round 25, Marítimo had only 3 defeats (2 of which visiting big teams). The last 9 rounds were quite poor, again, as the team seemed to have switched off after having secured a safe position. Marítimo lost the reliable (but aging) Paulo Victor, and brought Matous Trmal who looks for minutes after 2 consecutive seasons as a reserve in Guimarães. The 23-years old is a quality goalkeeper and has everything to be Marítimo’s safety rock in goal. The defensive sector was kept pretty much the same from last year. Keeping industrious and highly interventive full-back Cláudio Winck was a surprising, positive move from the club. Zainadine remains the reference in the centre. Matheus Costa is a good partner and a defender with an eye for goals, too. In midfield, the major departure was the talented (but irregular) Rafik Guitane; a departure that wasn’t conveniently covered (yet). In the defensive tasks, Marítimo brought the very good João Afonso from Gil Vicente, who needs to prove himself after almost 1 year injured, last season. Beltrame is the main source for creativity, while Xadas is expected to have a more important role, after a slightly disappointing season. In attack, the departure of Alipour is an important blow, and much like Guitane, he hasn’t been properly replaced. There are talks about the return of the excellent Rodrigo Pinho, but the club’s idol spent an entire season injured at Benfica. Joel will be the main man in attack. Coach Vasco Seabra was kept on the job, and these are the best news the fans wanted to ear before the season started.