Football Season Guide

Bragantino had a poor campaign in 2022. 'Massa Bruta' wasn't able to reply the highly successful season of the previous season. Coach Barbieri resisted almost the entire season, based on previous year's success, but he succumbed in the 37th round and was finally sacked after a long period of longevity at the club. Bragantino achieved semi-finals of Paulistão, which is a good accomplishment. However, they were tackled by the competition's surprise, Água Santa, a team that doesn't even compete at any national level. In continental competition, 'Massa Bruta' started well, picking an away robust win in Paraguay. After the dynasty of Maurício Barbieri (almost 3 years in the job), Bragantino appointed the Portuguese Pedro Caixinha to command 'Braga' in this season. Caixinha is much more conservative in the way he sets his team to press the opponents, opting for a more patient approach without the ball and a more direct attitude when in attack. The team's star of recent years is gone: winger Artur returned to Palmeiras after proving at Bragantino that immense talent on his left foot. Hyoran is also a big departure from last season. Uruguayan Laquintana arrived to be Artur's replacement in attack, while Juninho Capixaba, Lucas Cunha, Matheus Fernandes, Eduardo and Luan Patrick will provide a wider array of options for the defensive positions. Bragantino remains a deep squad with multiple options for almost every position. Their players are generally on the younger side, which always gives the fans the idea that there may be a couple of players having their definitive affirmation at top flight level. The striker position remains a bit questionable, as the club continues overlooking the position. Alerrandro proved to be inconsistent and prone to injuries, even if he looks sharper than ever, this season. Still, there's very little cover for Alerrandro, as Werik Popó and new man Borbas are ready yet for a big role on the team. Goalkeeper Cleiton and centre-half Leo Ortiz are the most valuable players on the squad, now that Artur is gone.