Football Season Guide

Juventude had an up and down 2024. The team reached the final of the Campeonato Gaúcho and were having a comfortable league campaign until the departure of manager Roger Machado, who signed for Internacional. From then on, the team had a poor record and barely escaped relegation. Six of last year's starters left the club. Goalkeeper Gabriel, defenders Zé Marcos, Boza and João Lucas and forwards Erick Farias and Lucas Barbosa, the team's top scorer last year. Other important rotation players such as Ronaldo and Lucas Freitas also left. 20 departures overall. Manager Fábio Matias, who took over at the end of last season, remains in charge. 15 new players have been signed. Goalkeeper Gustavo, defenders Angel, A. Martins, Felipinho, Cipriano, Kawan, midfielder Giraldo and forwards Batalla, Enio, Giovanny and Petterson are the most important. The 'Jaconeros' are having a pleasant start to the year, despite being eliminated early from the domestic cup against the weaker Maringá. They beat rivals Grêmio twice and did well in the state championship, being eliminated on penalties in the semi-finals. Juventude have good players in midfield. Veteran Nenê, Jadson, Caíque (who is still recovering from injury) Giraldo and Jean Carlos can give this team excellent creative ability. On the other hand, the defensive sector has been rebuilt with players who were either in poor form last season or have little elite experience in the top-flight. The attack also lacks players with elite experience, with the exception of veteran striker Gilberto.