Football Season Guide

Internacional had a positive season in Série A, last season, having been the one club that came closer to the excellent Palmeiras. 'Colorado' had a terrific second part of the campaign, playing a great attacking football, with a mix between passing and direct style successfully implemented by Mano Menezes. This season, 'Colorado' lost on the penalties to Série B Caxias and missed the chance to avoid their arch-rivals Grêmio to continue their dominance in Campeonato Gaúcho. In continental competition, Internacional started Libertadores group stage with an away draw, in Colombia. Mano Menezes remains 'Colorado' strong man in dugout. Menezes was considerably successful when arriving, last season, and implemented a very fast and direct approach that took advantage of vertical players like Wanderson and Pedro Henrique. The veteran striker Luiz Adriano has been, for now, the biggest new signing for the season, as he immediately assumed the no. 9 role, relegating Alemão to the bench. Aranguiz is also a highly celebrated return. Together with Campanharo they will add up quality and options to midfield. Internacional possesses a very clear but hard to stop attacking dynamics. Very rarely did we see any team properly dealing with Internacional superfast attacks when the likes of Alan Patrick, Maurício, de Peña and Wanderson are on a good mood. Goalkeeper Keiller is far from being completely convincing, ever since he assumed the main role in goal. He has been particularly weak in dealing with crosses. Mercado's lack of pace is also a source for concerns. Alan Patrick is the most important player on the squad. He is the brain and the heart of every attack from 'Colorado'. Bustos dominates the entire right wing, which allows the team to have an extra man (Maurício or Aranguiz) in the centre to help de Peña and Alan Patrick in the creation moment. Wanderson ability on the 1v1 on the left side is the team's main source to unblock tight and deep defensive lines.