Oriental Lisbon - One Step Closer

pokario, Bantams Thanks for the comments guys, hopefully Fontes turns into a future starter!

Martins Praised By Board And Fans

Vitor Martins is having praise heaped on him by pundits and fans after his Oriental side managed to secure continental football for the first time in their history - a feat which stunned many, who thought they were relegation material.

Fans have rushed to applaud and congratulate Martins and his side on what has to be considered as one of the biggest triumphs for the club. Many flocked to the club's stadium, the Estádio Eng. Carlos Salema, to welcome the team back home to a standing ovation.

Martins, who has a reputation for being cautious when speaking to the media, acknowledged that it was a team effort and that they wouldn't stop here, instead striving to continue to grow as a club and challenge others.

Sergio Liparoti, 24, credited his manager immensely, stating that if he hadn't have received the belief from his boss he'd most likely be wandering around Europe as a free agent, looking for a new club.

Liparoti has undergone a huge transformation since his arrival at the club. In his first five games he only managed to find the back of the net once, and fans were already regarding him as a poor piece of business.

"I was here for the last part of the season, and I must admit I was out of form," the Temperley-born striker revealed. "But the boss, Vitor, sat me down and said that he had faith in me. He said if he stopped playing me because I was out of form, I'd never find my form again. For that I am very grateful."

Chairman André Silva also commended Martins on what the 52-year old recognised as an "incredible achievment". The new owner, whose investment into the club's youth facilties has recently been completed, admitted even he didn't see what was coming.

"Vitor has to be given lots of credit for this, he's worked miracles and changed this club - again."

Woah, shows how much effort and work you've put into this, great story Walter.

Legend<3

Great work achieving legendary status! Now to.... Oh wait. That's the best thing.

#Legend

Legend status is deserved!

#Legend

Legend.

Thank you guys, now it's all about the club!

Oriental Begin Season Six Under Martins

Oriental are a side making big strides in the world of football these days and as they prepare for their sixth season under manager Vitor Martins, we get the best analysts of Portuguese football in to preview their season!




With the 2018-19 Primeira League season right around the corner, Oriental will be doing all they can to build on their recent successes and continue to improve. Last season was the club's greatest. Qualifying for continental football was a dream at the start of the season and now it's a reality.

What to expect? Vitor Martins is a very underrated manager tactically, and it's no surprise to many that Oriental are where they are right now. He gets his side not to control the ball, but control the space - and this is what is getting them wins, they are strangling teams.

What do they need? A large squad. If they are going to be competing in Europe as well as the cups they are going to need a lot of depth in their squad to avoid 'continental hangover' and picking up injuries.


Oriental are a club on the rise and the new season brings a new challenge in the shape of Europa League football, a stern test. First they must get past Genoa in the playoff, hardly impossible by any means. After that, it is on to the group stages and that's where it will become difficult.

What to expect? Oriental love to play counter attacking football. They can soak up pressure from the opposition with their sturdy defensive base and then attack from there. They've got great wingers and China, playing in attacking midfield, will be the fulcrum of their play.

What do they need? This side is a well rounded one but there are doubts to whether it is enough to really challenge in Europe. With a few additions here and there to their defence, and maybe goalkeeper, they can play with a little more freedom upfront knowing they've got a solid backline.


After a hard fought battle for Europa League football, Oriental come into the new season needing to be refreshed and ready for the added on pressures of continental football. Whether Martins side can cope with this extra pile of fixtures, providing they make it to the group stage, will be answered throughout this preview.

What to expect? Martins and his Oriental side don't play the prettiest of football. Normally preferring to sit back and just hack it out when danger comes near, this may not be enough. The team tends to play through China, who will be relied upon to supply Sergio Liparoti.

What do they need? Playing such a deep, defensive line with no real plan or strategy may just undo Oriental this coming campaign. In order to improve they definitely need a more expansive style and to take more risks. I think it's about time for Martins to make this change and maybe provide some good football for fans to spectate.


What do you think? Are Oriental good enough to compete on different fronts and have the same success? Are they destined for bigger things or will they be pulled back down to earth? Send in your responses to our Facebook Page or Twitter Account!

I can't even look at the text because of those faces...

Loved the idea of the journalists!

Nice idea with the journalists! Good update!

This story rocks :-)