Sensational season for Minhotos, who were by far the best surprise of the league. With a very short squad to work with, Ivo Vieira built a very pleasant team to follow.
Vieira brought the good attacking football he already shown in Estoril, but added a good sense of responsibility at the back, providing a great formula for Moreirense to reach their best ever position in top flight. By quite a margin.
Attacking midfielder Chiquinho was ever present in all attacking moves; his creativity was notorious and must have earned him a place in a big team next season.
Arsério was always a solid option on the right channel; Neto kept the competitive levels on high standards in midfield and Jonathan was one of the best goalkeepers on the country before his serious injury.
However, as soon as some injuries and other problems started to bother the squad, in the final third, Moreirense started to slow down, and eventually picked only 4 of the last 18 points available.
The fans must realize that this was surely an isolated achievement. Next season, the team will be expected to be fighting to avoid relegation again.
Coach Ivo Vieira is already certain to leave and most of the best players too: Chiquinho, Arsénio, Rúben Lima, Ângelo Neto, Jonathan, Ivanildo and Heriberto won’t continue. Possibly others will leave as well.
