ô Senhor Vitoria - a Story about the renaissance of Vitoria Setubal

[RuiEsteves]

- Ednilson (c) (30) / 44 app – 10 goa, 11 ass, 7 MoM / 7.95. Awards: 3rd Best Player of the Liga. Member of the Primeira Liga Team of the Year.
The words are lacking to describe what this player means to the club. He was simply once again outstanding, as a captain, playmaker and scorer, a starter for the 10th consecutive season and member of the Liga Team of the Year for the 9th time, an all-time record. He was also overall and for the 4th season, the Best Guerreiro.
Contract: runs until 2017.

- Bosingwa (30) / 41 app – 2 goa, 4 ass, 2 MoM / 7.63
The long-time club servant delivered his best performance ever at DMC, solid and always consistent. It’s his 5th season as a starter and he has so far convinced Tito that he is a better, more defensive option, than young Paulito. How long will this last?
Contract: unprotected, runs until 2014; in discussions with the club to renew for a higher wage.

- Fernandes (23) / 39(2) app – 5 goa, 8 ass, 3 MoM / 7.63
A starter for the 3rd consecutive season, the Academy player is now reaching maturity. He finished 4th Best Player of the Liga and has started all games for the Seleção. The duo he forms with Ednilson is fantastic, and he is the vice-captain of the squad. Wants to make his mark on World Cup 2014.
Contract: runs until 2016.

- Paulito (21) / 19(13) app – 2 goa, 6 ass, 4 MoM / 7.72. Awards: 2rd Best Player of the Liga. Member of the Primeira Liga Team of the Year.
Like Bruno Melo before, the young Academy prodigee managed to be named in the Liga Team of the Year (and actually finish 2nd Best Player!) without being a season starter for Vitoria. What a testimony of his huge talent! Also a fans’ favourite, many wonder how long Bosingwa can retain his position…
Contract: runs until 2016.

- João (20) / 15(2) app – 2 goa, 5 ass, 1 MoM / 7.76
The young Academy gun has continued to improve and with Tito’s rotation policy in the 2nd part of the Liga, he ended up getting a lot of playtime in midfield where he delivered outstanding performances. He’s only 20yr-old and looks like a possible future starter for the club, which is great news. Became an U21 International with Portugal.
Contract: extended until 2018, with increased wage at £0.6k/w.

- Claudio (23) / 15(2) app – 2 ass, 1 MoM / 7.53
With João, Claudio is the other great news at DMC coming from the Academy. He has really stepped-up and played very well in the Liga, and may put-up a challenge for the starting central DMC position, bringing his physical presence, determination and defensive skills.
Contract: runs until 2016.

- Armando Rosa (24) / 3(10) app / 6.77
Loyal to his Academy club, has accepted his back-up player status. He is now behind Paulito of course, but also João and Claudio in the picking order at DMC. But his attitude is impeccable and he adds useful depth.
Contract: runs until 2016.

- Marcio Jesus (20) / 0(5) app / 6.60
The young Academy gun finally appeared for Vitoria, and showed interesting progress. Remains available for loan.
Contract: runs until 2016.

The engine room on the pitch and Setubal’s traditional core strength, the DMC position is covered by a total of 8 players - 6 of which from the Academy. It is enough depth with promising youngsters. Next year will probably see Paulito attempting to nail a starting slot while Bosingwa has not yet agreed to terms on which he would renew his contract.

[RuiEsteves]

- Kaka (31) / 39 app – 12 goa, 7 ass, 3 MoM / 7.44. Awards: Member of the Primeira Liga Team of the Year. 3rd FIFA World Player of the Year.
The Brazilian had another very good and solid season, scoring less but assisting more. A starter for the 7th consecutive year for Vitoria (a record for an AMC), he appears for the 4th time in the Liga Team of the Year. Also key with Brazil with whom he hopes to finally play a World Cup next summer, his international talent was finally recognized at 31yr-old with a 3rd place in the prestigious FIFA World Player award.
Contract: extended until 2015, at a reduced wage of £9.5k/w and a £400k sign-on bonus.

- Paulo Antunes (22) / 25(9) app – 5 goa, 5 ass, 1 MoM / 7.29
At 22yr-old and after steady progress, the Academy player has finally produced a solid season and after an intense competition with Tosa and Fihado, nailed the starting slot for the first time! Another great young AMC for the times to come.
Contract: extended until 2018, with increased wage at £0.8k/w and a £75k sign-on bonus.

- Tosa (24) / 23(7) app – 9 goa, 2 ass, 1 MoM / 7.00
It was a fierce battle for the other AMC slot next to Kaka, and Tosa just lost out to Academy mate Antunes. He did however finish the season like a cannonball, scoring both goals in the CL quarter-finals against Celtic as well as the opener in the Final of the Taça. Will strive to reconquer the position next season.
Contract: runs until 2016.

- Fihado (21) / 17(8) app – 3 goa, 2 ass, 2 MoM / 7.04
He started the season extremely well and looked like the real deal, until he picked a 3-month injury at the beginning of the winter. Keeps on improving, a major asset at AMC and even SC for the future.
Contract: runs until 2018.

- Antonio Ferreira (18) / 7(2) app – 3 goa, 2 ass / 7.33
The good surprise of the season at AMC; although still young, the Acadamy player has really improved and when given game time in the Liga in the second half of the season, he showed all his skills. A serious candidate for the future!
Contract: runs until 2016.

- Oliveisa (24) / 5(6) app – 1 goa, 2 ass, 1 MoM / 6.91
Decent performances but is now challenged by young Ferreira on the bench. At 24yr-old and given the huge depth at AMC, Tito has decided to place the talented Brazilian on transfer-list!
Contract: expires in 2014.

- Marajo (32) / 2(4) app – 2 goa / 7.17
Age has taken its toll and while young guns are on the rise, the ex-Bonfim idol has a tough time appearing on the match sheet.
Contract: runs until 2014, does not wish to extend so far.

- Ricardo Luis (19) / 0(1) app / 7.00
The young neo-pro only made one appearance, but shows improvement at training. There is a beacon of hope for him. Available for loan.
Contract: runs until 2017.

- João Campos (18) / 0(1) app / 6.00
Normally a winger, the neo-pro appeared once but failed to impress the staff. Needs to seriously step-up or he will soon be gone. Available for loan.
Contract: runs until 2017.

Four players are competing for two slots, and young Ferreira is a solid bench option. That is enough depth for the position, even with an ageing Kaka, a declining Marajo and Oliveisa on transfer-list.

[RuiEsteves]

- Pinto Neves (25) / 37 app – 22 goa, 7 ass, 7 MoM / 7.89. Awards: Best Player of the Liga. Member of the Primeira Liga Team of the Year. 2nd European Player of the Year, 2nd European Striker of the Year. Fans Player of the Year.
A pillar of the Seleção, now internationally recognized, decisive in the big games and Best Player of the Liga for a second consecutive year, Pinto Neves once again delivered an amazing season and has now become a hero amongst the fans too. What a player and what an asset for the club!
Contract: runs until 2016.

- Joséto (21) / 19(19) app – 18 goa, 2 ass, 3 MoM / 7.34
He cannot really challenge such a powerhouse like Pinto Neves, but the young Academy player continues to enjoy a lot of game time and scores bags of goals, he is a natural finisher and a key offensive asset for Forbs.
Contract: runs until 2017.

- Rock (25) / 3 app – 1 ass / 7.33
Neither Pinto Neves nor Joséto having been injured, the Congolese Academy player had little game time. Remains 3rd choice striker for Vitoria.
Contract: runs until 2016.

- Valter Alberto (21) / 0(3) app – 1 ass / 6.67
Although he has improved, the Academy gun still is 4th in the striker hierarchy and will have a tough time breaking through. Remains available for loan.
Contract: runs until 2017.

- João Litos (17) / 0(1) app / 6.00
Still very young, the Academy neo-pro needs to improve several steps before he can push for game time. Available for loan.
Contract: runs until 2017.

- André (23) / unused.
Already 23yr-old and having not improved much, Tito has decided to place him on transfer-list.
Contract: unprotected, runs until 2015.

Enough depth and talent, squad is well equipped here. No recruitment needed.

[RuiEsteves]

The first one to depart and be released on free transfer was Ivoirian international Saliou Lassisi. The big center-back had joined the club from AS Roma back in 2002 and served Vitoria for 11 long years. Never a starter, Tito has always used as a utility back which enabled him to clock 159 app - 7 goa, 9 ass. At 35yr-old he cannot really compete at that level anymore and will be looking for a last home before retirement.

Big Saliou has accumulated quite a number of trophies during his time at Setubal: UEFA Cup 2004, European Supercup 2004, 4x Portuguese Cups, 2x Portuguese Supercups. It has been a pleasure working with him and we wish all the best for his final season(s).

There was another full back leaving the club, although Rahim Ouedraogo and Tito Forbs tried until the very last minute to agree on a reduced wage to extend his contract by one year - alas the player's agent was too greedy. Unlike Lassissi, the Burkinabé defender started twice for Vitoria in the 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons and thus has marked more profoundly the History of the club. He was expecially liked for his determination and moulded perfectly in the Guerreiro type of attitude which the coach was looking for in his lads, which earned him 239 app (4th all-time highest in the HoF) – 9 goa, 19 ass, 2 MoM. His versatility between the left and right sides of the defense was also an important asset.

He has litterally won everything in Setubal, including 6 Primeira Liga titles (!), the 2012 Champions League and 5x Portuguese Cups. It’s a monument who leaves the club and many fans would have liked to see him carry on for one more season. Also carrying a Dutch passport, he finds a home in the Holland Premier League with mid-table side de Graafschap. We wish him all the best and he is welcome any time he wants in Bonfim!

Finally Brazilian talented midfielder Oliveisa is also on the move. Heralded as one of the future greats when he joined 5 years ago at the age of 19, and although his talent is obvious, he never really quite convinced the coach and staff to make him a starter. Transferred for £2.9m (one of the club highest ever transfer-fees) from São Caetano, he managed 70 app – 8 goa, 8 ass, 2 MoM. He can claim to his name the 2012 Champions League and one Primeira Liga title. Facing intense competition at AMC with Tosa, Antunes, Fihado or even Ferreira now, Tito let him join Bundesliga side FC Köln for £1m return on investment. We wish him all the best in Germany.

[troza]

It is always sad to see some historic players go. Even if they weren't starters, they were part of the best teams of the history of the club.

At the same time, we all know that Tito can substitute those players well and there is a chance that the new players are Portuguese!

[RuiEsteves]

@troza: Lassissi simply wasted his time last year so it had to be so, he's 35. Ouedraogo could have carried on for another 12 months had he been less greedy, and although he was only a starter for 2 seasons I realized that he has won almost everything with us and is therefore entirely part of the club most glorious History! there are no Academy player (up to now) able to step-in at RB but young Portuguese Antonio Cruz is ready. Oliveisa is a different matter, he never fully delivered and faced a lot of competition at AMC - still a bit of a waste considering he is Leonardo's regen!

[RuiEsteves]

The Bonfim Academy was prolific this summer as 3 young guns were presented to the senior staff and offered pro contracts. For the first time in years, two of them were defenders (unfortunately, DR for both of them) :

16yr-old Bruno Sousa who looks very promising

Spoiler!

17yr-old Pedro David, much less

Spoiler!

And very young Telmo, 15yr-old, really has something…

Spoiler!

And that was it for this season’s transfers, the rest of the squad was kept unchanged.

[RuiEsteves]

So 3 departures for 3 (Academy) recruits means a stable and still very large squad of 40. For the first time more than 50% (21) are Academy players; they are shown in green below, in brackets the number of seasons at the club so far. Underlined are those players who have already been starters for at least one season, a * means the player has had an international cap.


> Keepers (3): Marco Tabuas* (17), Valter* (3), Quim* (2)

> Defense (14): Nélson Veiga* (13), Bocas* (8), Salomon Olembé* (7), Coutinho* (6), Humberto Barros (3), Kolo Touré* (3), José Maria Gama* (3), Jean-Ma* (2), Ôscar (2), Solomon (1), Cleiton (1), Antonio Cruz (1), Bruno Sousa (0), Pedro David (0)

> Midfield (8): Ednilson* (12), Bosingwa* (11), Fernandes* (8), Armando Rosa (8), Paulito (5), Claudio (5), João (3), Marcio Jesus (2)

> Attack (15): Marajo (12), Kaka* (7), Paulo Antunes (6), Pinto Neves* (5), Tosa (5), Joséto (4), Valter Alberto (4), Fihado (3), André (3), Rock* (2), Antonio Ferreira (2), Ricardo Luis (1), João Litos (1), João Campos (1), Telmo (0)


Only André (so far) in the above is on transfer-list, while Marco Tabuas, Quim, Bosingwa and Marajo are in their last contract year. There are still way too many players for only 3 attacking slots...

[RuiEsteves]

Benfica’s board realize they must do something to restore some pride to their legendary club whose last domestic title was in… 1994, 20 years ago (!!). Their scouts unearth 2 young Brazilian gems, both strikers – Souzos (£9m transfer-fee) and Alvaro Moedim (Mario Jardel’s regen). Even Tito Forbs is impressed at the quality of those signings…

Spoiler!

And then the unthinkable happened. He had everything he could dream of, being captain of the Seleção and having gone from playmaker of AC Milan to that of Real Madrid, two of the planet’s most prestigious clubs. Why would ex-Setubal superstar Bruno Melo feel the need to come back in the Primeira Liga, as star midfielder for Sporting CP, Vitoria’s arch-rivals??! Tito was saddened when he heard the news and some of Sadinhos fans were angry. Would they come to accept it, or never forgive the player? The only good news in it all was the £240k cut the club got from the whopping £12.75m fee which Sporting paid to Madrid…

[RuiEsteves]

Tito had to deal with an unfit squad right in the midle of the summer and an impossible schedule, playing 5 games at the World Championship in Italy and a Supertaça final sandwiched in the middle – all in 2 weeks. This really strecthed the group, which allowed the younger Guerreiros a lot of play time.

Despite a prestigious hammering of Independiente (4-0), in the end though Vitoria lost both finals – to FC Porto (0-1), in a tight game with Fernandes missing a penalty-kick, and to arch-rivals Inter Milan (0-1, e.t.) in a game dominated by the Italians and during which Bosingwa was red-carded after 19’.

Player of the Month: Claudio – 8.00 avg - solid as a rock in central DMC.

[RuiEsteves]

The Seleção validate their ticket to the 2014 World Cup, topping their group with ease. After Fernandes a few years ago, another Academy product – Paulito – becomes a Portuguese international, further proof of the excellence of the Bonfim youth program. Vitoria are drawn once again in a difficult CL pool in which neither Feyenoord, Hamburg SV nor Sevilla C.F. can be taken for granted.

Following a difficult draw at home against an excellent Dutch side, Setubal register 2 convincing wins in Europe which puts them in an ideal position. It’s also a clean start in the Liga, with a very solid game at the Dragão against an inferior FC Porto.

Player of the Month: Coutinho – 8.00 avg, 1 HdM – great presence at CB, outstanding in the victory over Sevilla.

[RuiEsteves]

As Paulito picks-up a 2-months injury, Os Guerreiros enter a challenging month with 4 consecutive away games, 2 of which in the CL which will be key for Phase 2 qualification.

While Setubal power through in the Primeira Liga, already firmly on top of the table, both away European games were hard-fought. It was a great battle in Sanchez Pizjuan, an early goal from Tosa and a MoM performance by Valter being enough to secure a win in spite of both Coutinho’s and Tosa’s red-cards. Phase 2 qualification was already secured, nevertheless Vitoria went on to win a tight game in De Kuip and are thus guaranteed to top the group.

Coming on from the bench in Rotterdam, young Academy product Telmo (16) becomes the youngest ever player to wear Setubal’s jersey, beating by a few months Fernandes’ previous record.

Player of the Month: Ednilson – 8.60 avg, 2 goa, 5 ass, 2 HdM – simply outstanding performances by the legendary captain and playmaker.

[RuiEsteves]

With a last home victory over HSV on Nov.5, Setubal have impressively cruised through their CL Phase 1 with (5W, 1D).

A few big names are already out: Man United, Napoli, Celtic and Sporting CP. Phase 2 groups are always tough and this season is no different for Vitoria who are seeded with current title holders FC Bayern München, Premier League powerhouse Arsenal and Serie A surprise package Brescia.

The rest of the month went superbly well with a perfect sheet of 7 victories in 7 games, including a wipe-out of Benfica in Estadio da Luz (0-3) and a deserved and key win in Brescia in the CL. Os Guerreiros are now running 51 games unbeaten in the Primeira Liga, an all-time record in Portuguese football History. In other news, Academy gun Marcio Jesus scored his first ever goal for the club in the Taça Round 4.

Player of the Month: Pinto Neves – 8.25 avg, 3 goa, 2 ass, 2 HdM – in great form, the international striker was the best man on the pitch against Benfica and Brescia.

[kuy]

This season going brilliantly again, shame you didn't hit form quickly enough to capture those two early trophies. It looks like Benfica have signed two very good strikers, I'll be interested to see how they perform in their first season - as well as how Bruno Melo gets on for Sporting

[RuiEsteves]

This season going brilliantly again, shame you didn't hit form quickly enough to capture those two early trophies. It looks like Benfica have signed two very good strikers, I'll be interested to see how they perform in their first season - as well as how Bruno Melo gets on for Sporting

I really don't know how to get players 100% fit end of July, I have never managed to find a way. That and the crazy schedule of the World Championship meant that I was flattened out for both finals...
Souzos is best striker of the championship so far, he is a beast. Moedim has been a sub up to now, Benfica play Mantorras - Souzos upfront. As for Bruno Melo, can't say it's been going the way he wanted thus far. More to come on that.

[RuiEsteves]

Young Academy star Paulito delivers an outstanding performance (2 assists) against CL title holders FC Bayern, which enables Setubal to beat the German giants. Alas, he injures himself for 1-month a few days later in training.

Although Os Guerreiros seem to be tiring before the Christmas break, they manage to continue their unbelievable streak of victories with 3 straight (1-0) wins in the Liga, which means they still sit very comfortably on top of the table with a game in hand. Sporting CP (also a game in hand) and FC Porto are still in the race, somehow…

The team plays very well and the squad has all the depth it needs (and more) at each position, which means no recruitement during the winter mercato. Some of the evolutions are that Kaka is gradually declining and, for the 1st time in 8 seasons, seriously challenged for his starting AMC slot – in particular by Tosa who is in great form and rumoured to be soon called-up for Portugal. At LB, although Olembé still rocks, Cleiton is now the definite starter.

Player of the Month: Tosa – 8.00 avg, 2 goa – only 3 games played, but did score that crucial equalizer against Munich.

Sadly (for him) the first 5 months at Sporting CP for 32yr-old Bruno Melo have not gone as smoothly as planned, and he is under criticism from the press…

Finally all Sadinhos fans are sad to learn that ex-Bonfim star Emmanuel Olisadebe, who had been released on free by Valencia during the summer, has decided to call it quits and announced his retirement from professional football at 33yr-old.

[RuiEsteves]

The year starts with Cleiton picking a 1-month injury. The draw at the Alvalde ends a spectacular 17 games winning streak (11 in the Liga), while Ednilson collects the 2nd red-card of his entire career during a 2nd half entirely dominated by the visitors. Bruno Melo warmed the bench and did not play against his forther team-mates, who all went to greet him at the end of the game.

Although it was a busy month with 7 games played, most matches have been quite easy for Os Guerreiros who are in cruise mode. There was however one crazy match in Bonfim:

Spoiler!

In the Portuguese Taça, Vitoria has broken another all-time Portuguese record with their 12th consecutive win in the competition.

Player of the Month: Claudio – 8.50 avg, 1 goa, 2 ass, 2 MoM – Luis Andrade’s nephew is really stepping up and impressing everyone. Can he nail a starting slot this season??

Next month will be more challenging with Solomon (Nigeria), Olembé (Cameroon) and Kolo Touré (Ivory Coast) travelling to Africa with their respective nations to play the CAN.

Finally the Primeira Liga is rocked by another high-profile transfer: at 31yr-old, Benfica’s star striker Mantorras makes a move to the Spanish Liga with Valencia C.F. paying £9m transfer-fee.

[RuiEsteves]

A tougher month ahead of Os Guerreiros with the back-to-back clash in the CL vs Arsenal, whom oddly Setubal meet for the very first time.

The first leg in London is a great grame of football dominated by Vitoria; but keeper Paul Robinson makes no less than 11 saves and Jermain Defoe scores the only goal of the 90’ with a long-range strike, ending a 31-games undefeated streak for the Portuguese champions.

Alas there is much worse than the defeat and Tito knows it is bad when he sees his captain limping out of Highbury’s pitch :

It is a huge blow for the club, at the worst time in the season. Not only does Ednilson almost never get injured, but he had in his entire career never picked an injury extending 3-weeks off.

Nevertheless, without their legendary and iconic captain, Os Guerreiros manage to win the return leg in Bonfim (3-2) in a tight and spectacular game where Paulito is once again amazing, delivering 3 assists for all Vitoria’s goals on the day. They will also go on and qualify for the Taça do Portugal semi-finals, eliminating Santa Clara for the 3rd time at the quarter-finals stage.

Player of the Month: Paulito – 8.00 avg, 4 ass, 1 MoM – he gets it on the sole basis of his perfomance of the return leg vs Arsenal.

[troza]

Well... you're trying a different style. Can't you still post the results? Like the player of the month, just a list of the games and the results (you can skip the scorers and stuff).

About the start of the season... well, with Barreirense I would give the players the pre-season training and then 2 or 3 weeks with light or no training at all. And I would need to use all players... I usually get some extra-players for that competition as I need two 11 players and some for the bench. And I played with no confederations cup taking my players due to a bug. You can try that in the next time.

About the super cup... I usually end the heavy training as the friendlies start... that is enough to get a good condition... not always 100% condition but I usually get enough.

[kuy]

About the super cup... I usually end the heavy training as the friendlies start... that is enough to get a good condition... not always 100% condition but I usually get enough.

This is what I do too: as soon as the season finishes I put everyone on heavy training, and change this to light (usually Fitness and Tactics light, everything else None) when the friendlies start - I arrange roughly one friendly per week for the 4-6 weeks before my first competitive match of the new season.

[RuiEsteves]

@troza: what I have done is post a screen capture of the results for every month, and link it as an image. Can you see it? I have done this because I have less time and also less envy to write detailed reports of every game...

[troza]

Sorry. For me to see those images at work I must use the time to go online... and to see everything else I don't.

If that's the case, sorry... my mistake! Then forget it cause it has everything and a nice solution if you don't have the time to do everything as you did. We like to keep up with your team.

By the way... what is the maximum year that you will do with Tito? He isn't new so I guess that you should have though of that (for instante... in my Barreirense game, the coach has been doing his duty for 50 something years... a bit too much to keep it real )

[RuiEsteves]

Tito Forbs was born in 1940, so he is now 74 years old in the story. To be frank, retiring has indeed crossed his mind since the job is exhausting - actually he disappeared for a while after the CL win in May 2012 and was about to hand over the team to his assistant Rui Lopes, but he changed his mind... but he won't carry on for as long as your Barreirense game that's for sure!

[troza]

Tito Forbs was born in 1940, so he is now 74 years old in the story. To be frank, retiring has indeed crossed his mind since the job is exhausting - actually he disappeared for a while after the CL win in May 2012 and was about to hand over the team to his assistant Rui Lopes, but he changed his mind... but he won't carry on for as long as your Barreirense game that's for sure!

I just found that curious.

Do you plan to keep going with other manager once Tito retires?

[RuiEsteves]

@troza, kuy: on training regime, I do the opposite as what you describe. Immediately after the last game of the season, I send every player on 4 to 5 weeks vacation until 1st or 2nd week of July, depending on our schedule. Then they go for 3 to 4 weeks of "Commando" style - meaning intensive Fitness. And usually 2 weeks before our first game, they start their normal training regime again. I seldom do friendlies. And I also give them a week break with their families around Christmas.

@troza, on Tito: no when Tito Forbs retires, this story will end. But he is not ready yet, he is very attached to several historical players (Marco Tabuas, Nélson Veiga, Bocas and above all Ednilson who is just incredible) and may continue until that generation has fully retired.