This season started so badly that it seemed unlikely at one point that Vasco could escape from relegation. However, the experience of Vanderlei Luxemburgo was determinant in rescuing the team’s spirit leading them to a very respectable second half of the season.
Coach Alberto Valentim was sacked before the league season started as Vasco lost Carioca regional cup final. Interim Marcos Valadares assumed the team but the start was catastrophic: 4 defeats and 3 draws in first 7 rounds.
Vanderlei Luxemburgo was already on board during the end of that initial sequence, but it took some time for the highly experienced coach to get some results, but eventually the big Carioca team started to produce some goods.
Luxa started to bring the team back to basics, forming a flat 4-3-3 with 3 combative men in midfield and a direct football exploring the pace of Rossi in attack. The other crucial move from ‘Luxa’ was to bring the hot talent Talles Magno to the main team.
The 17-years old was arguably the biggest revelation of the league. His quick footwork, and mature decision making was impressive right from the start. Unfortunately for Cruz-Maltinos, he played only 15 times due to his constant presence on the U17 national team and an injury on the final weeks.
Together with Rossi and Talles, goalkeeper Fernando Miguel, defender Pikachu and Castan and central midfielder Richard had also good seasons. On the other hand, the likes of Bruno César, Valdívia and Marrony were disappointing. Even more disappointing were Thiago Galhardo and Maxi Lopez who left the club after problems in the start of the season.
Vasco ended the season on a good note, and watching Talles on his second season will be on its own a good reason to follow the team. However, there's a big question mark for 2020 now that coach Luxa announced his departure.
