Manuel Cajuda calls for calm ahead of season opener

Guimaraes coach attempts to douse high expectations

After the magnificent campaign last season by Guimaraes, finishing in third place in their first season back in the top flight, coach Manuel Cajuda has attempted to take pressure of his squad.

The experienced tactician stated that failing to match the accomplishments of last year would not necessarily constitute a lack of success.

“Vitoria Guimaraes, if they do not fall lower than two or three positions, will still have had a successful season because their average classifications in the last fifteen or twenty years have been 8th/9th place,” explained Cajuda.

“If we manage to establish the team that regularly finishes in the first five or six places we are winning the battle.”

However, the club’s passionate fans have had a taste of success and will, naturally, want more. Cajuda knows their appetites have been whet, but points out that it is important not to get unrealistic.

“I don’t imagine the supporters are thinking we will challenge for the title. This will be bad thinking on the supporters part, which happen to be among the best in the country.”

Tomorrow Guimaraes face Vitoria Setubal in the season opener for a second consecutive year, and Cajuda is looking forward to kicking off the Liga Sagres campaign.

“Logic dictates a better match than the one last year because the two teams are in very different situations and better than what they were a year ago. I expect a competitive match. I can only expect a strong Setubal.”