Football Season Guide

An awful first half of the season was the major cause of last season's catastrophe. Portimonense's great return from lockdown wasn't enough to save the team. Luckily, a problem with Vitória de Setúbal brought Portimonense back to Primeira Liga for 2020-21. Algarvios will now have the chance to prove that they are much better than what they made it look last season. Paulo Sérgio, who had a great impact on the team's improvement last season, will now be at the helm from the start. A real test on his competence to bring a team all the way long from pre-season planning and building a model for the team. Portimonense had enough talent on their ranks to be fighting with the likes of Rio Ave and Guimarães for European spots; and this next season they seem even stronger... provided that they manage to continue holding up the top talents on the team, which may prove to be difficult. Tabata is a top talent and belongs somewhere else, but his inconsistent performances in last two years made the possible interested teams hesitant in signing with him. Lucas Fernandes and Willyan also very sought after but remaining at the club for now. If those three are kept, somehow, they will join other great talents like Dener, Lucas Possignolo, Jadson and Aylton. On top of that, club made a handful of very interesting new signings. Aflalo, Reko and Wellinton came from the relegated Aves and are very clever signings. Fabrício returns after having been the team's top scorer 3 seasons ago. Júlio César is also a talented attacker arriving with some credits from Brazil. Tagliapietra is a definite strong centre-half if he manages to keep away from injuries. Paulo Sérgio's sometimes old fashioned methods, possible departure of Tabata and Fernandes and the team's tendency for being more focused in business than in proper on-the-pitch action are the three things that may separate Portimonense from finishing in the top 7 places of the table.