Football Season Guide

After an impressive start of the season, last year, São Paulo dropped their levels in the final stages and ended out of the top four, after several weeks on top of the table. The short and aged squad was perhaps the strongest reason for the team’s late decline. The new season seems more promising, though. Despite a precocious knock-out from Libertadores and some shaky start at Paulistão, Tricolores have reached the State championship finals and showed already some signs of a potential force for Brasileirão. The arrival of new coach Cuca, who assumed the role only in April after recovering from a health problem is a major achievement. Cuca’s tactical wisdom, man management ability and enthusiastic style may be just what Tricolores needed. Also, the squad went for a significant deepening and rejuvenation. Youngsters Liziero, Luan, Helinho and Antony are assuming more important roles on the team. Alexandre Pato and Pablo in attack and Hernanes and Tchê Tchê in midfield are exciting new signings. All positions now seem to have good cover, this year. Everton Cardoso is still the star of the team, but his injuries are a constant problem. The club doesn’t win a single title since winning Sulamericana in 2012. (They are currently on Paulistão finals, though.)