Football Season Guide

Farense had a very solid season, last year. They were candidates for the relegation race in the beginning of the season, but a regular display throughout the year, especially at home, gave 'Algarvios' the chance to achieve safety much earlier that expected. Manager José Mota was seen by many as old fashioned and out of touch, but he showed a modern side that very few were expected. He presented an extremely direct football, but with tactical nuances that surprised many opponents. There were some important departures for the new season that might worry the fans, especially the striker Bruno Duarte. Playmaker Mattheus Oliveira is also gone, but not much a worry, since he had lost his relevance throughout the season and started a few games as a reserve, in the final weeks. The biggest changes will happen at the back, where Muscat and Gonçalo Silva are gone, and Marcos Moreno, Lucas Áfrico and Raúl Silva arrived. The last two, both left-footed, proved their quality in Portugal in previous seasons, but their physical conditions are always a worry; Áfrico is constantly injured; Raúl Silva is already 34 and also injury-prone. In midfield, the strong and hardworking Ângelo Neto is a great addition, while Filipe Soares will want to relauch his career after not being able to reply his excellent 2020-21 season at Moreirense since he left. If back to his prime form, Soares will easily be an upgrade over Mattheus Oliveira in midfield. For the creative role in midfield, there is also Rafael Barbosa and Jhon Velazquez, now that he is back after almost an entire season out with injury. In attack, Tomané should be a very decent replacement for Bruno Duarte, but there are worries that he will have enough cover. Bermejo looks a good addition for the wings.