Football Season Guide

Very poor season for Tricolor Paulista in 2021, especially in the beginning when there was legitimate fears of São Paulo being relegated. Crespo led São Paulo to a title celebration in State Championship but then it was complete downfall in league. Then the club’s icon Rogério Ceni arrived. He didn’t do much better, but improved enough so that the team could reach a midtable position in the end. 2022 has been better with São Paulo reaching the final of Campeonato Paulista against rivals Palmeiras. However, after winning 3-1 at home, Tricolor suffered a terrible 0-4 defeat in second leg. Rogério Ceni looks like keeping the attacking-minded 4-4-2 from last season, with all four midfielders playing in interior areas and full-backs exploring the wings. Jandrei was brought for goal, and, while he seemed more of an option to last season’s no. 1 Tiago Volpi, Athletico PR and Santos’ former reserve has been the choice for Tricolores, in goal, this year. 36-years old Rafinha signed in to be the reference on the right side,but will he have the stamina for the demanding full-back role in Ceni’s tactical model? Leo and Diego Costa seem to be the preferred pair for the centre of defence over the aged Miranda (37) and Arboleda (30). 21-years old left-back Wellington appears to have finally have his affirmation at senior football. Nestor, Gabriel Sara and Igor Gomes are the main creative minds in midfield. Patrick and Colorado were big name signings, but they seem more like reserves, as Ceni is giving the youngster Pablo Maia a chance for a long run in first team. There doesn’t seem to be a place for a typical holding midfielder on the side, so very little minutes for Luan expected. New signings Alisson and Nikão are good options for the wings. Rigoni, Luciano and Calleri are three excellent options for the front-two positions. 18-years old Marquinhos might be the next big thing coming in from Cotía (club’s youth system). Ceni has proved to be an unstable manager unable to drive big teams to success in previous jobs, which may be São Paulo’s main obstacle for returning to top places in this season.