Football Season Guide

Last season finally saw Porto breaking their title draught, as Dragões grabbed the league title for the first time since 2013. Coach Sérgio Conceição was appointed in the beginning of the season and brought with him a new, strong mentality to the team, which proved to be absolutely key in the season’s success. The highlight of the season was a mirror of Porto’s new style and approach: a spiritful win at Estádio da Luz against their most direct rivals made Porto recover a leadership that was kept for most of the season. Every Porto fan will be eyeing the “Bicampeonato”, now, as Porto’s fanbase is known for being highly demanding. And this should be a real test on Conceição’s ability as a manager, as the morale boost and attitude raising will now need to be joined by a solidification of a strong, winning model for the gameplay. The pre-season has already been marked by some harsh words from Conceição in regard of the overall quality of the squad, which had two significant drops in defence in the names of full-back Ricardo and centre-half Marcano. Congolese Mbamba joined in to replace Marcano, while Éder Militão is very close to arrive from São Paulo; promising, but still not confirmed talent João Pedro joined in to be an option for the right side of defence. Experienced Maxi Pereira surprisingly signed for another year, and should be keeping the standards while João Pedro adapts to the demands of European football. The best “signing” so far have actually been the new contract signed with iconic goalkeeper Casillas, who was all set to leave until not very long ago. Herrera and Marega have been linked with moves, but so far the club seems determined to keep the two players in the squad. With Danilo expected to return around September, and the more physical than technical players like Marega, Aboubakar and Tiquinho Soares in the attack, the team will need a Brahimi more inspired than ever to provide the talent that is in short in this squad. Oliver will have his last chance to prove the talent shown in 2014-15.