Football Season Guide

After two seasons struggling to just survive in the last rounds, Tondela picked a very satisfying performance, on 2017-18, managing to grant a safety place way earlier than expected and clinching a mid-table position in the end. Pepa’s good work should now be put to yet another test: to repeat last season’s success now with a slightly different squad. While the backbone of the team was generally kept, with the likes of experienced Ricardo Costa, David Bruno, Bruno Monteiro, Miguel Cardoso, but particularly the cultivated striker Tomané and the excellent goalkeeper Cláudio Ramos staying at the club, some other names had sailed away, and left Pepa the task to find proper replacements. For the most part, the biggest changes will occur in the middle of Pepa’s formation. Central midfielders Joca and Pedro Nuno already left (Claude Gonçalves seems ready to leave, too). Two Portuguese league debutants were signed with to provide some type of replacement: Peruvian Sergio Peña and Malian Diarra. But perhaps the happiest news for Pepa is the return of Nego Tembeng. The Cameroonian was a new signing for last season, and after having really made an impact during pre-season, he picked an awful injury that took him out of the entire season. ‘Beirões’ seemed to be more focused in reinforcing the attack, despite most of the departures had occurred in the midfield. Tyler Boyd finally confirmed his skills last season, and that granted him a pass to stay at Guimarães, this time. Murilo also left to join league rivals Rio Ave. Pepa then was awarded a list of forwards to add up to Tomané and Miguel Cardoso. Left-footed António Xavier arrived from Paços de Ferreira and is a safe bet. Jhon Murillo is a well known face to Tondelenses, as he had a great season at Beira Alta, two years ago. Unknown Sabbag and Patrick will try to convince the fans and the staff, while Cristian Arango will be given a new chance to prove his talent at Portuguese league, after failing at Desp. Aves.