2012/13 Season Preview: Part One
 A comprehensive guide to the new campaign
After a long, long summer, the wait is finally over. This weekend sees the start of the new season in Portugal's top flight, and another exciting, controversial, and unpredictable edition is on the cards. In part one of our two-part guide to all things 2012/13, Tom Kundert and Ben Shave preview Braga and Sporting, plus Académica, Beira-Mar, Estoril, Gil Vicente, Marítimo and Moreirense's chances.
 BRAGA
Coach: José Peseiro
Last season: 3rd
Key players: Paulo Vinícius, Hugo Viana, Lima
Aims for 2012/13: Champions League group stages, a title challenge
On Saturday at the Estádio da Luz, Braga President António Salvador (pictured) will mark his 400th game at the helm of the Minho club. Since his election in February 2003, Salvador has initiated a remarkable rise in fortunes, by anyone’s standards.
 Before Salvador’s arrival, Braga were a regional powerhouse with a rich history, but with little to show for it other than a solitary Taça de Portugal in 1966. Since 2003, Os Arsenalistas have broken through the glass ceiling previously separating the rest of the Liga from Os Três Grandes, reached their maiden European final, and remained resolutely stable financially.
It has almost become a given in recent years that during each transfer window, Braga will lose a key asset – player or coach. Yet this summer has been somewhat atypical, on and off the pitch. It started with Leonardo Jardim’s departure. The youthful coach had shown during a season in charge he possessed the same potential that had catapulted Jorge Jesus and Domingos Paciência onto greater things (or in the latter’s case, expected greater things); but with a Champions League debut on the horizon and a club record for consecutive wins in his back pocket, he looked set to remain for another campaign.
Yet in late May, Jardim, something of a free thinker, gave an interview to O Jogo in which he stated that he and Salvador’s relationship was “strictly professional”, and that the two “had little or no contact outside the context of the team.” It was undoubtedly a curious statement to make when viewed from the outside, but Salvador’s reaction hinted at a perceived deeper betrayal. The club President returned for crisis talks, and by May 30th, Jardim was gone, with Olympiakos his eventual destination.
 His replacement, José Peseiro, is unlikely to be so outspoken, at least in public. Having accumulated considerable experience of coaching’s more political requirements during his time at Real Madrid and then Sporting, the 52 year-old also has a track record of challenging for silverware both domestically and on the European stage.
A positive result at the Luz combined with progression to the group stages of the Champions League at the expense of Udinense would represent the perfect start. One suspects that the outcome of those three matches could also have an impact on the make-up of his squad, particularly up front. Insinuations surrounding Brazilian forward Lima are nothing new, but recent declarations from last season’s top scorer that “I like Braga a lot but a deal may crop up” have at the least set the rumour mill turning once again.
 Yet even if Lima were to be sold (at a considerable profit, as per usual), it could be argued that Braga begin the season stronger than they did 2011/12. The arrival of promising youngster Éder (pictured) and Zé Luís’ return to full fitness provide options up front, whilst reports suggest that both midfield key men, Custódio and Hugo Viana, will be signing new contracts in the coming weeks.
Indeed, a midfield trio of Custódio, Viana, and Rúben Micael (signed on loan from Atlético Madrid) is potentially the strongest in Portugal, and with the likes of Djamal, Mossoró and Rúben Amorim available as back-up, Peseiro (a known proponent of rotation) has plenty of options at his disposal.
 At the back, the departures of Ewerton (to Anzhi, after Braga decided against stumping up the fee requested by his owners) and Miguel Lopes (to parent club Porto) ought to be offset to the returns to fitness of Paulo Vinícius, the signature of burly German Maximilian Haas and Baiano’s recovery from long term injury respectively. The latter’s battle for the right back spot with Leandro Salino, one of 2011/12’s great unsung heroes, promises to be particularly intriguing. The arrival of Portugal’s third-choice goalkeeper, Beto, also looks an excellent piece of business.
As ever with Braga, some things have changed over the summer, but more remain the same. Only a fool would bet against Peseiro’s, and Salvador’s, charges mounting another challenge in what promises to be a close title race once again. (BS)
PortuGOAL Predictions
4th, Champions League play-off round, Europa League quarter-finals (BS)
4th, a lengthy European run, and a win in one of the domestic cups (TK)
 SPORTING
Coach: Sá Pinto
Last Season: 4th
Key Players: Khalid Boulahrouz, Fito Rinaudo, Ricky Van Wolfswinkel
Aims for 2012/13: Champions League qualification
If a week is a long time in politics, twelve months can feel like an eternity in football. This time last year Sporting were riding a tidal wave of optimism as a new board, a brand new squad and a bright new coach looked set to propel the club right back into the fight to become top dogs in Portugal.
A ten-match winning run early in the season further fuelled hopes that Sporting could at last compete with FC Porto and Benfica. But by the New Year the wheels had come off in depressingly familiar fashion for Sporting fans. The sacking of Domingos Paciência, less than 24 hours after president Godinho Lopes had assured the press “the coach is a fundamental part of a long-term project” saw another season’s aspirations come to a painfully premature end. Missing out on Champions League football, and the millions of euros it brings in, was a huge setback for the club.
 But amidst the debris of 2011/12, there were some signs of hope for Sporting’s long-suffering supporters. Domingos’s successor, Ricardo Sá Pinto, was always going to get the full backing of the fans, but more importantly, he has fostered a strong unity among the squad and appears adept at coaxing full commitment from his players. Despite ending the season empty-handed, Emiliano Insua, Rinaudo, Stijn Schaars, Diego Capel and Ricky van Wolfswinkel left no question marks concerning their quality with highly impressive debut campaigns in the Liga ZON Sagres. And in André Martins, Zakaria Labyad and André Carrillo the Lions have three of the most exciting prospects in Portugal.
Yet the key for Sporting this season could lie in two less flamboyant signings than those made 12 months ago. Marcos Rojo and Khalid Boulahrouz look set to form the central defensive partnership, which has been a weak point for Sporting for seasons on end. With Sá Pinto seemingly set on playing two holding midfielders, Sporting should be difficult to break down. But will too much of the goalscoring burden fall of Ricky Van Wolfswinkel’s shoulders? (TK)
PortuGOAL Predictions
3rd, latter stages of Europa League (TK)
3rd, another Europa League run, a key role for Elias (BS)
 ACADÉMICA DA COIMBRA
Coach: Pedro Emanuel
Last season: 13th, Taça de Portugal winners
Key players: Rodrigo Galo (DF), Makelele (MF), Salim Cissé (FW)
Aims for 2012/13: A European run, improved league performance
Carrying the form that saw them win their first silverware for almost 30 years into Europe whilst avoiding a scenario where challenging on multiple fronts leads to a dangerous flirtation with relegation (as was the case last season) could well be no easy thing for the Briosa.
 Marvellous as that Taça triumph was, the fact remains that had Académica lost against Sporting, Pedro Emanuel may have faced some uncomfortable questions. But as it is, the youthful coach has been rewarded with what is essentially a brand new squad, the majority of whom will have been attracted by the prospect of the Europa League group stage.
Académica’s performance against Porto in last Sunday’s Supertaça was undoubtedly encouraging. The Briosa looked well drilled at the back, solid in midfield and threatening up front, with Brazilian Leandro dos Santos ‘Makelele’ de Jesus and nineteen year-old Guinean Salim Cissé the stars of the show. How the latter was allowed to slip down to Italy’s Serie D last season remains a mystery. (BS)
PortuGOAL Predictions
European challengers, Europa League last 32 (BS)
Just enough to keep their head above the water (TK)
BEIRA-MAR
Coach: Ulisses Morais
Last Season: 12th
Key Players: Hugo, Javier Balboa, Abel Camará
Aims for 2012/13: Survival
Beira-Mar are perhaps the club in Portugal with the biggest discrepancy between the beauty and quality of their stadium and the club’s ambitions. And there is strong competition in that department! Save a single Portuguese Cup triumph in 1998/99, inspired by the Sousa family (father António was the coach, son Ricardo scored the winning goal in the final), Beira-Mar’s objective at the start of each season is invariably simply to retain their top-flight status.
 This season is no different. A wizened coach in the dugout, Ulisses Morais, and experienced heads on the pitch in goalkeeper Rui Rêgo (pictured) and centre-back Hugo (the two most used players last season) will have to impart all their know-how to a relatively young squad to ensure safety.
It’s not normal for a club of Beira-Mar’s modest stature to have an ex Real Madrid and Benfica player who has commanded a transfer fee of €4 million on their books in his prime. Recent seasons have served to confirm that price was an expensive mistake, but Javier Balboa proved in Aveiro last season that he is capable of the occasional flash of inspiration, which could prove vital to keep Beira-Mar among the elite. (TK)
PortuGOAL Prediction
Survival - by the skin of their teeth. 14th (TK)
Relegation, and Majid Pishyar's funding to vanish the day after (BS)
 ESTORIL PRAIA
Coach: Marco Silva
Last season: Champions, Liga de Honra
Key players: Vagner (GK), Steven Vitória (DF), Licá (FW)
Aims for 2012/13: Survival would do nicely for the coastal club
Estoril managed to change a coaching gamble into a title-winning challenge in 2011/12. Marco Silva, who only retired from the game a year ago, replaced Vinícius Eutrópio early on, and rose to the task admirably.
 Having swept the second tier, Estoril’s ability to adjust to the considerable jump in opposition quality will likely determine how successful their first top flight season for eight years is. Given that the squad has remained broadly the same, questioning their ability to do so is understandable.
Elizeu, Hugo Leal and João Paulo all posses Liga experience, but Leal in particular is something of a risk. Former União de Leiria captain Bruno Miguel could yet be the star. (BS)
PortuGOAL Predictions
Relegation (BS)
Survival but not by much (TK)
 GIL VICENTE
Coach: Paulo Alves
Last Season: 9th
Key Players: Cláudio, César Peixoto, André Cunha
Aims for 2012/13: Mid table security
Gil Vicente made a welcome return to the top flight last season after a five-year absence, and never seriously looked like relinquishing their place back among the big boys. A run to the final of the Taça da Liga where they were narrowly beaten by Benfica, was an added bonus for this well-supported club who boast among the most fervent fans in Portugal.
 The Barcelos club have done well to keep hold of Cláudio. Although 34, the Brazilian put himself in the shop window last year as an accomplished defender and a masterful penalty taker, finishing as the team’s top scorer with eight goals. And in the calm and thoughtful Paulo Alves (pictured), Gil have one of the most underrated coaches in the Liga ZON Sagres.
On the downside, Gil have lost two of their most important players from last season in Júnior Caiçara and Hugo Vieira. Outspoken president António Fiúsa will no doubt settle for the modest but crucial goal of retaining the club’s place in Portugal’s top division this time round. (TK)
PortuGOAL Predictions
Flirting with relegation but safe (TK)
Mid-table safety once again, and a starring role for giant centre back Pek’s (BS)
 MARÍTIMO
Coach: Pedro Martins
Last season: 5th
Key players: Rúben Ferreira (DF), Rafael Miranda (MF), Danilo Dias (FW)
Aims for 2012/13: Same again, if possible
Marítimo were a thrilling prospect at times during 2011/12, with the chain-smoking Pedro Martins fielding an aggressive 4-3-3 and somehow coping with the departures of Djalma, Kléber and (in January) Baba. Their efforts were rewarded with a number of notable nights against the grandes, and an eventual Europa League spot.
 Pre-season indications are that a slightly more circumspect 4-2-3-1 may be in order for Martins (pictured), with Marítimo still looking particularly short up front. The anticipated sale of Sami to Gaziantepspor will further exacerbate the problem, though the realistic prospect of Europa League group stage football ought to aid in the recruitment of a replacement.
That said, Marítimo remain a solid prospect in midfield, where the additions of Rodrigo António from Belenenses and David Simão on loan from Benfica ought to ensure service for whoever ends up leading the line. (BS)
PortuGOAL Predictions
Marítimo to be the best of the rest once again, Europa League group stage (BS)
Another solid season on the cards. 5th (TK)
 MOREIRENSE
Coach: Jorge Casquilha
Last Season: 2nd, Liga de Honra
Key Players: Ricardo Pessoa, Pintassilgo, Wagner
Aims for 2012/13: Re-establish themselves as a top flight club
Moreirense have had an eventful decade: three seasons in the Liga between 2002-2004 were followed by two relegations, and the northern side only worked their way back to the professional ranks in 2010.
 Coach Jorge Casquilha has been the architect of the club’s return, and as such this is a fairly stable squad. The additions of Vinícius (on loan from Braga), Ricardo Pessoa (pictured, Portimonense) and Diego Gaúcho (Leiria) will provide top flight experience.
Moreirense were the Liga de Honra’s top scorers last season, and although Bruno Moreira has joined Nacional, the duo of Wagner and Nabil Ghilas are dangerous on the counter-attack, and young Rafael Lopes will be looking to succeed after stalling at Setúbal in 2011/12.
PortuGOAL Predictions
Survival – just (BS)
Back from whence they came - relegation (TK)
Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments.
Tomorrow: FC Porto and Benfica, plus Nacional, Olhanense, Paços de Ferreira, Rio Ave, Vitória de Guimarães and Vitória de Setúbal.
Tom Kundert and Ben Shave
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I didn't mention Braga in that gap, because they have once again stayed pat. I understand in not going out and drown yourself in debt, but it would have been nice to have seen at least one high profile player come on. They proved me wrong last season, but I just don't see it lasting. They have yet another manager, and will be competing on many fronts. It's also an older squad, although that experience served them well last season. They are truly an enigma for me.
I hope Gil Vicente can build on last season. That sometimes means just staying put in your finishing league spot. They've lost key players and anytime Peixoto becomes a key player for you it's going to be tough. In all seriousness, Gil Vicente has a great following in our league. Their fans came out and supported even when they were in the second division. I hope they can continue to treat them to quality and entertaining futebol.
Thank you for mentioning it. Beira Mar needs to stay up just because of that stadium. I will make it a point to try to go catch a game their.
Academica always seems to survive. Sometimes they even tease in giving more. Being in Europa could really hurt them or the league should they bow out early. I think they'll stay up more due to other clubs falling than they doing anything special.
In my opinion, Maritimo should be better than they are, or they've overachieved a ton. They always seem to slip at one point where it leaves them out of reach of anything. They once again look very shaky in Europa, although advancing is huge. Lastly I do hope they excell, especially if Simao is at the forefront of that success.
It would be foolish to even comment on Estoril and Moreirense. I hope that Estoril stays up. I used to go the beach by train and now truly enjoy having a Sagres with the wife overlooking the ocean. If only Cascais was to get a team in the league.
It would be nice to see Braga finally get a cup, it’s long over due given their performances in recent years. When it comes to the group stages, if they make it, it will come down to the luck of the draw. If they somehow get some easier teams, they may have a shot at fighting for the knockout rounds but I agree the odds are that they will shoot back to the EL with the potential to make another deep run.
Either way Braga has another chance of getting some good money from European matches. More ticket sales from these games, and given their recent years performance they maybe able to start getting more money from their sponsors. All that could help keep them strong and as a very respectable side for the next few years.