Onto part two then, and as you may have gathered from the above photo, this one could run and run...FC Paços de Ferreira
Where they're at: In my humble opinion, Paços were the most exciting team to watch in the Liga last season. Rui Vitória took a little time to hit upon his best side, but once he had done so, Os Castores were a breath of fresh air. Unlike many 'smaller' outfits, they approached the big games without a hint of fear or formational conservatism, with their shape often resembling a 4-2-4. That resulted in a couple of hidings, but who could forgot the round 29 barnburner at the Dragão?
Who's out: As is the way in football, exciting, surprising teams don't often stay together for a great deal of time, and Paços don't look like becoming an exception. A combination of loan returns (David Simão and Nélson Oliveira to Benfica, and Pizzi to Braga), and players moving onto grander stages (Leonel Olímpio to Guimarães, Maykon and Mário Rondon to as yet unknown destinations abroad) will gut Vitória's squad in an all-too short space of time. Injury-prone veteran Jorginho is also likely to be released.
Who's in: Happily, some are sticking around at the Mata Real. Goalkeeper Cássio, midfielders Filipe Annunciação and André Leão and wide man Manuel José have all either signed or are on the verge of signing contract extensions, whilst recent days have seen the club linked with midfielder Luiz Carlos, currently at local rivals Freamunde. Replacements for Maykon, Simão and Pizzi are desirable, but in reality, Vitória may well be asked to do more with less.
FC Porto
Where they're at: Oh, you know, they're doing alright. André Villas Boas' debut season as Porto coach couldn't have gone much better, in truth. With the possible exceptions of the 1987 and 2004 vintages, this is the greatest Porto side in the history of the club: undefeated in the league, mercilessly attacking, head and shoulders above their domestic (and many European) contemporaries. Of course, such unrelenting success can prove to be a double-edged sword...
Who's out: Deep breath. Depending on where you are in the world and what papers you read, the following are on their way out of the Dragão: Beto, Fucile, Sapunaru, Miguel Lopes, Rolando, Otamendi, Fernando, Moutinho, Guarín, Mariano, C. Rodríguez, Hulk, Falcao, and of course Villas Boas himself.
Let's deal with the more clear-cut cases first. Mariano said his goodbyes after the Taça final. Fernando told the media following the Europa League final that now would be a good time to begin a new cycle, after three trophy-laden seasons at the club. Beto may find himself squeezed out (more on that below), whilst if a ludicrous offer (here's looking at you, Manchester City) comes in for Hulk, one suspects that Pinto da Costa would be tempted, however bullish his public declarations have been. As for Falcao...let's just wait and see. My personal belief is that the player, Porto, and his many suitors would be better served to wait a year, during which time he will - injury permitting - surely score a boatload of Champions League goals. I may tattoo that last sentence onto my face.
Who's in: Again, let's begin in the realms of fact, before dipping our toes into the treacherous waters of speculation. Porto's recently-published annual report confirmed the arrivals of Juan Manuel Iturbe from Cerro Porteño and Kelvin from Paraná. Both are classic Porto signings: young, talented South American forwards. Iturbe in particular arrives with a monumental amount of hype, let us hope that the 'Guaraní Messi' has the mental strength to cope.
Elsewhere, Djalma (Marítimo) and Bracali (Nacional) represent solid squad players, and little more. The arrival of the latter has yet to be confirmed, and would somewhat puzzling, given that current back-up (and blog favourite) Beto would walk into any other team in Portugal; and that young Hugo Ventura has continued to impress whilst out on loan.
Other names that have cropped up include Luís Alberto (Nacional) and Kléber (Atlético Mineiro). Given the quality already present in the Porto squad, one suspects that any moves made will be dictated by departures and long-term planning, rather than a senseless desire to splash the cash.
Gil Vicente
Where they're at: Despite only securing the Liga de Honra title thanks to a superior head-to-head record over Feirense, Gil were, for my money, the best side in Portugal's second tier last season (particularly in terms of attacking firepower) by a fair distance. Making their return to the top table after a five-year absence under the tutelage of the long-serving Paulo Alves, expectations are likely to be high in Barcelos, particularly given the fact that only Benfica, Porto, Sporting, Braga and Guimarães had a higher total attendance last season.
Who's out: Despite securing promotion, Gil have already lost a pair of key players to northern neighbours Braga. Right-sided utility man Rodrigo Galo and centre-forward Zé Luís will certainly be missed at the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, and the hope amongst supporters and coaching staff must be that other key players (João Vilela, Luís Carlos and exceptionally talented young wider Hugo Vieira to name three) do not chose to follow. My suspicion is that Gil will hold on to their stars.
Who's in: Nobody, yet. The likes of Cláudio and André Cunha served Alves well in the Liga de Honra, but given their age, it might well prudent to utilise the loan market in search of younger, more dynamic replacements. A replacement for Zé Luís in particular may be required, with none of the four remaining centre-forwards in possession of any top-flight experience, let alone goals.
Rio Ave
Where they're at: Had Carlos Brito and co. hit the ground running rather than losing five of their first eight matches, a European spot would have been comfortably within their grasp. As it is, a solid mid-table finish was a more than satisfactory outcome for the longest-serving coach in the professional leagues, spearheaded by the evergreen João Tomás - 36 and still capable of netting 16 goals in 29 appearances.
Who's out: With the exception of Braga loanee Yazalde, nobody of note, at the time of writing. A number of key players (Éder, Gaspar, José Gomes, Tomás) have either renewed or are set to do so, whilst Brito himself has resisted the overtures of Romanian outfit CFR Cluj, declaring rather touchingly that 'some things are more important [than money, presumably].' Rio Ave are one of the most stable clubs in the Liga, both in terms of personnel and their financial footing, meaning that the type of fire sale endured by most teams during the summer is a rare occurrence. The transfer of Wires to Steaua Bucharest fell apart over a failed medical, but the Brazilian may yet depart.
Who's in: Speculation has linked midfielders Godemèche and Pateiro with a move to Vila do Conde. Both impressed in poor sides last season (Naval and UD Leiria respectively), and both would arrive as free agents. A creative wide player to replace Yazalde would also be of benefit.
Coming up in part three: SC Beira-Mar, SC Braga, SC Portugal, and SC Olhanense.
0 comments:
Post a Comment