Football Season Guide

Excellent season, last year, where Braga was very close from interfering with the stablished order of Portuguese top football and get a place on the top three. It eventually didn’t happen, but only due to a last round unexpected defeat. Braga’s chairman has revealed a lot of ambition, and didn’t seem much impressed by last season’s success as he wants more. He aims for Braga as a future champion, and perhaps the next season might not be so crazy to aim for, as the squad being built around Abel Braga’s enthusiastic ideas seems strong enough to cause some upsets to the big three. It is true that Abel Ferreira won’t be happy to have seen André Horta, his replacement Danilo and the all important full-back Jefferson to have left in the summer. Less happy he will be by knowing that Vukcevic is also being heavily linked with a move out, which would destroy completely the successful tandem of last season’s midfield. However, as it has been usual of lately, Braga’s healthy finance has allowed the club to have a strong position in the market. Midfielder Claudemir will bring Champions League pedigree to the side, having been there with FC Kobevhan in previous editions. João Novais had a great season with Rio Ave, and collected a lot of attention in the international market. However, the best “reinforcement” in the midfield will definitely be Fransérgio, who spent most of last season on injury and is expected to be an important unit this time around. For the left-back position, former Estoril Ailton will be Jefferson’s replacement, and will need to be at his best in order to deliver in a very demanding position within Abel’s formation. In the centre of defence, Pablo will add up to the already very solid group of options. Murillo arrives from Nacional and will provide depth to the already strong attack. Marafona is recovered, having played already some games in pre-season. These are great news, but also a big headache for Abel Ferreira, as he will have to chose between him and Matheus who was very solid last season while Marafona was on treatement. It will also be an increased interest around the youngsters, as Braga as been producing them aplenty. Xadas should be claiming even more minutes, while Trincão’s talent can’t no longer be wasted on youth games, should Braga resist the heavy search for him by big European names.