Football Season Guide

Finished 3rd last season, and was one of the teams that was involved in the title race until late. Sampaoli brought 'Galo' to the next level, but in the end paid for his usual habit of not being able to keep a long winning run and eventually dropping crucial points in crucial moments. Just won the Mineiro State Championship, defeating Série A newcomers América on the final. Just 3 new signings, but all of them are big statements of intention. Dodô arrived to be a left-back reserve coming from big rivals Cruzeiro. Tchê Tchê is an old Cuca favourite at São Paulo, and 34 years old powerhouse Hulk is the big name for the season. On the way out, absolutely nobody. The idol Victor retired, but he was already a 4th option for the goalkeeper position. Atlético MG seems the strongest competitor to take out on Flamengo for the title in terms of squad quality and depth. But it remains questionable if Cuca is the right man for the job to drive this colossus of a squad into major success. Cuca did a good job rehabilitating Santos last season, and will certainly be cashing in the credit for that great job. But picking up an established squad and giving them a week in-week out straight wins mentality is a whole different challenge. 'Galo' seems to have 2 quality players for each position at this point. Hulk is the biggest attraction; Nacho and Vargas are prestigious foreigners, but Keno seems to be the explosive force to bring Atlético to success this season.