Football Season Guide

Bahia had two different moments last season; a great first half didn't have a proper follow up on the last months and the team ended in a mid-table position after having flirted with top-6 places for a long time. Roger Machado will remain in charge, in a rare occasion in Brazilian football where a manager stays on his job for more than one year. Machado is the face of a new generation of Brazilan gaffers and is having is affirmation at Bahia, where he employs a competent but attractive football, frequently trying to assume initiative despite the team's gap from the top teams. Not many changes on the squad from last season. Big name Rodriguinho is the big signing for the season. After a disappointing campaign at Cruzeiro, the playmaker will try to restore his well known level at Tricolor in 2020. Clayson and Rossi arrive from Corinthians and Vasco respectively and will try to cover up the only big departure for next season: the winger Artur. Moisés also left, but seems well covered by the arrival of Zeca and Capixaba on loan for the left-back position. Gregore should continue to be a key member in the centre of the pitch; Gilberto is expected to keep scoring aplenty. João Pedro may have his last chance to finally live up to the potential promises made a few years ago. Defensive competence is questionable. The advanced age of some important players may expose the team to quick transitions.