Football Season Guide

Moreirense had their best season ever in 2018-19, and by a long margin. Usually involved in relegation race, Moreirense was the big surprise of the season, while playing a very attractive and uncompromised attacking football. Considered the big responsible for that major success, Ivo Vieira left the club and signed with neighbours and mild rivals Guimarães. The new coach came from the same club; Vítor Campelos coached the B side of Vitória and will have his debut at top flight. Another big blow for the team from last year is the attacking midfielder Chiquinho, whose amazing season made Benfica activate a buy-back clause. Winger Arsénio and box-to-box Neto are also important departures. Moreirense was sensible on the transfer market and, instead of buying a big pack of Brazilian unknown players, they have handpicked players according to the needs of the squad. More than half the new signings are players with Primeira League experience, such as Luís Machado, Djavan, Rosic and Alex Soares. Despite some crucial departures, the squad remained stable from last season, which should be the team’s biggest weapon for the new one. The backbone of the team will be kept with the likes of João Aurélio, Iago, Halliche, Pacheco, Pedro Nuno and Texeira assuring the quality and stability for the new season. The new coach is inexperienced at this level, and it doesn’t seem to be anyone ready to fill in the shoes of Chiquinho. The achievement of last season may create an unrealistic expectation for the new season.