Ambitious Vitoria Guimaraes set the bar high

Nuno Assis stays; Ronaldo Tiago goes

New Guimaraes coach Nelo Vingada did not mince his words when asked what he expects his team to achieve this season. The club's president requested a 5th-place finish and Vingada responded by saying, "we'll be fighting for this and who knows, maybe even better."

The former Maritimo coach began working with his squad yesterday and likes what he has seen. "All our games are to be won," bluntly added the experienced coach.

The Portuguese tactician has reason to be optimistic as Guimaraes will be boosted by the permanence of star midfielder Nuno Assis.

The former Benfica player put pen to paper on a new two-year deal and is thrilled to be staying at the Estadio D.Afonso Henriques, despite receiving lucrative offers from abroad.

"If I am here it is because there is a reason. I did receive various offers, some extremely financially advantageous, but Vitoria also made me an offer that they wanted me to stay," said Assis.

Guimaraes have opened pre-season training and do have further reasons to be excited as the club's latest additions (David Mendieta, Jorge Goncalves, Kameni Hill, Alex, Tiago Alencar and Gustavo Lazzaretti) have reported for camp and will be working hard to help forget the club's disappointing 8th-place finish last season.

Tiago Ronaldo moves to Belgium

One player who will not be reporting for pre-season activity is Tiago Ronaldo as the club decided to not renew with the Portuguese midfielder.

Belgian side Standard Liege snapped up the 19-year-old and signed him to a two-year deal, plus an option, and are delighted with their latest acquisition.

"We are extremely satisfied in having secured this signing," declared director Pierre Francois. "Tiago Ronaldo is a perfect fit for our recruitment policy of talented youngsters. He is a player for the future."

by Tom Kindert and Marco Pereira