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Squad Review
After some transfer dealings, we had finally settled on a squad and eagerly awaited the approach of the new season. I was compiled a team report by Manuel Ramos and I picked some of the key players of our squad out.
I think it is suitable to start at the back of the field. It always helps when you have a strong defence, but when that is backed up by a stellar keeper, that helps too.
Bruno Martins is a very capable keeper and should be my main man inbetween the sticks. With close competition from Flavio and Ederson, maybe that can be the catalyst for some great performances.
To protect the goalkeeper, we need an outstanding defence, and despite being only very young, this kid will give us what we need.
Joaquim Monteiro impressed dramatically last season. Partnering with either Tero or Duque, this kid is the main defender, and has been tracked by Liga Zon Sagres side Moreirense lately.
The other person that will strengthen our defense is starlet
Joao Paulo Pinto. Spanish side C.D Xerez were tracking him in the off season and he publicly stated his desire to leave but I promised promotion, and I am hoping he can help us do that. Very strong at defending, reads the game amazingly, and can score a goal or two, he is our own little Ashley Cole!
Now I go into midfield. In our group we have an outstanding amount of gifted players. We added to the central midfield department but the person that will always remain is that man
Sufrim. Player of the season in my first season, his work rate, tackle and eye for goal have given us that edge against sides. He may be in his thirties, but I will still be relying on him this season.
In preseason I sold Rodrigo Antonio, one of the icons of the club, who gave the fans lots of goals and fantastic pieces of play. This was possibly the biggest task of my summer: find a replacement for the irreplaceable. Well, I think I actually did.
Filipe Oliveira worked a treat inside the squad and has settled and gelled so quickly. And at the age he is, I can see him working wonders with our new striker. Goals and assists are likely to be in double figures with this guy.
The final piece of the puzzle. My striker. I actually started this deal at the end of the year, and bought him for a free because of his expiring contract, and what a steal he will prove to be!
Marco Margarca is a goal machine! He did not stop scoring in pre season and I hope it continues in the league! Naval de Maio must be feeling very sorry they let this kid go, because he has enormous potential!
These players will be the keys to promotion this season. Of course there are others, but I think these people can make the biggest impact. We will see them in competitive action for the first time in the Taca de Liga and hopefully we can grab a couple of wins!
With a tweak in the tactics, hopefully these players can grow accustomed to the way we play the game. The worst thing happening is signings not gelling. We must make sure this isn't an issue. Most of the signings are young and still have room to improve, meaning we can be better in the next couple of years without spending extra money on transfers.
One way to speed up the process is better coaches, and we signed some of those in the offseason too. We were going to undergo a heavy training schedule to see that our players were getting the maximum result, instead of resting on their contracts. We wanted players who played for the love of the game, not the size of their bank account!
