Football Season Guide

Casa Pia had a solid second season in top flight level, last season, and will now be looking to consolidate as a regular team at First division, after two good years. One of the main names for Casa Pia in the past years was manager Filipe Martins. He left during last season, and the club wasn't able to keep the quality, the charisma and the consistent shown while under Martins. Now, it will be the 32-years old João Pereira's turn to lead the team. Pereira had a great season with Alverca, in third division, last year. There were some important departures from last season, namely the striker Felippe Cardoso, the winger Yuki Soma and the strong midfielder Ângelo Neto. On the way in, Casa Pia brought several players that are unknown to the Portuguese public, except for the former Portuguese international José Fonte, arriving from Braga. Ricardo Baptista has been one of the best keepers in the country, but for the new year, with 37 years old, Casa Pia decided to bring a storng competition in Patrick Sequeira, a Costa Rican international. In defece, Zolotic and Duplexe are above the average of Portuguese football, but the real standouts are the attacking-minded full-back Gaizka Larraizabal and Leonardo Lelo. The former has been linked with moves to bigger clubs several times. In midfield, the team looks less solid and hardworking, with the departure of Neto, but more creative and tecnhical, with the arrival of Miguel Sousa and Kraev. Paulo Roberto will try to revive his first moments on the club, after a disappointing second part of the season, last year. In attack, there are many good options for the wings, despite Soma leaving: Nuno Moreira, Ruben Lameiras and new signing Raul Blanco are good talents. The problem might be the striker position. Fellipe Cardoso and André Lacximicant left, after Clayton had left during last season, and it isn't clear if the likes of Clau Mendes will be up to the task.