Football Season Guide

Porto finished 3rd in 23-24 league season, and are now on the cold for two consecutive season, which, by itself, is a cause of major concern among the highly demanding Porto supporters. At least, Dragões could save the season with a Cup title over the league champions Sporting, in the last day of the season. More than the in-field events, last year was marked by the end of a 42-years era of the iconic Pinto da Costa as Porto's chairman. Costa was the main responsible for making Porto a major force in the country and in Europe, but he was on his decadent years, and the fans are hoping that the young André Villas-Boas (former manager in 200-11, winning Europa League) will bring new energy and a cleaner policy to the club. Villas-Boas first act on the job was to end parts with Sérgio Conceição, who had been FC Porto's gaffer for the last 7 years. One of his assistants, Vítor Bruno is the new manager, and is also a major question mark for he doesn't have any experience as main gaffer. On top of all changes, Porto is dealing with a deep financial crisis, which makes them almost unable to bring new players for the squad. The returns of centre-half David Carmo and striker Fran Navarro are the only new additions for the new season. Taremi, Porto's main reference in attack for the last 3 years, left to join Inter, but some may see this departure as a good thing for Porto, since now Evanilson can lead the attack and manager Bruno can get rid of the rigid 4-4-2 formation of the past seasons. 41-years old Pepe didn't extend his contract, and now Porto will have to face the next season with 4 centre-halves who raise questions, all of them: Otávio is inexperienced at high-levels; Fábio Cardoso and Zé Pedro would ideally been squad players and not first team permanents; David Carmo failed miserably on his first year at the club and wasn't that impressive during his loan spell; Marcano is 37 and accumulating injury problems. On the bright side, the fans are hoping for the talented (but irregular and inconstant) Ivan Jaime to have a more determinant role in the new season, while the 17-years old Rodrigo Mora could be given some minutes during the season. Mora is seen by many as the hottest young talent in the country. Francisco Conceição and Pepê on the wings, together with the striker Evanilson, are the best players of the team (alongside the fantastic goalkeeper Bruno Costa). However, Conceição has been linked with a move out, and Evanilson definitely needs to stay out of injuries if he wants to live up to the expectations of becoming a world class striker. The lack of good second-line options is the main issue for the new season. The squad is considered short in options for many positions.