Football Season Guide

Finished 8th in Série A last season and, most importantly, reached final of Libertadores. All this in a season that started in catastrophic ways, with club not able to sign anyone due to punishment, and losing a whole lot of significant players. The mastermind of last season's miracle, Cuca, is gone. Former São Paulo coach Fernando Diniz will have to face perhaps a worst scenario than Cuca faced last season. The transfer ban was lifted recently, but the club is struggling to sign with anyone due to deep financial problems. A couple of names may arrive, but no one truly important is expected to come to Vila Belmiro at this point. 'Peixe' will have to rely on what they already have, namely some youngsters eager to prove their value at top flight level. The worst part is that Lucas Veríssimo, Pituca and Soteldo are gone and there won't be anything close to replacement on either of those key players from previous seasons. Luan Peres will be the reference at the back; youngsters Ivonei, Sandry, Lucas Braga and Lucas Lourenço will need to become definite players and not just hot prospects, in midfield and wings. Marinho is still expected to be explosive in attack. Kaio is now 19 and will be ready to have his definite season at professional level.