André Savastano


The new Brazilian season got started in January, as state championships took place across the country. After that came the Copa do Brasil, and those who qualified have also started to enjoy Copa Libertadores football. But now, as they say in Brazil, is the time for grown ups to pay attention to the game, as the domestic championship, the Brasileirão, gets underway.

The Brasileirão, considered the fourth strongest national league in the world by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (after the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga), is in its 40th edition, and the eighth since a European style model was adopted. What perhaps sets the Brasileirão apart from its rival championships is the pure unpredictability of it, with up to 12 clubs considered to be real domestic giants, and every year yet more promising sides join the league.

Despite being fiercely contested, having attendances rising, and the increasing presence of good players, the Brasileirão still faces problems, the biggest of which is the calendar. Starting in May and finishing in December, the league takes place over nine months, meaning it is played as the polar opposite of European football. This then leads to the Brasileirão really getting going during the European summer transfer window, and as a result many players come and go, often changing the face of almost every team. In fact, those who were considered underdogs at the start of the season can often end up holding the best teams come the end of it.

This season, for the first time in many years, some star players, such as Adriano, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, could well play the whole season without leaving for Europe. Having these experienced players, combined with a number of promising youngsters, is leading some to speculate that this could be a special Brasileirão. Europe though, will continue to worry teams with promising young talents.

Some clubs have already gone on record as stating they will do everything in their power to stop European teams raiding their squads. Santos’s president has promised that young striker Neymar and attacking midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso, will stay, while an extension to Robinho’s loan deal is also on their to-do list. In fact, Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro has also commented that he would go to court in an attempt to stop anyone who wants to from selling those stars. He also asks that the presidents of other Brazilian sides join him and keep young talents in the country for a little longer. Ribeiro reportedly has $25M to invest in the team, chiefly to help keep players who would usually leave, but also to bring in some new faces. If Santos’s president can do all he promises, then his club will surely come close to lifting the title.

Grêmio are another side who should be impressive and considered contenders. Not only have they won the Rio do Grande do Sul state title, but they also managed to see off Fluminense 3-2 at the Maracana in the Copa do Brasil. More impressive was the fact that it was three time league winner Muricy Ramalho’s first game in charge of the hosts. With Paulo Silas – the coach who led small Avai to sixth spot last season – at the helm, Grêmio look to have that potent combination of a tight defence and good attack.

Another state champion, Botafogo, rely on the young star Caio and on the crossing ability of Uruguayan Sebastian Abreu, known as ‘El Loco’. They also count on Argentine striker German Herrera. In the dugout is the often comical Joel Santana, considered in Brazil as the King of Rio, a reference to the large number of Rio state titles he has won (seven as a coach and one as a player). But the former South Africa coach is also known for his relatively poor performance in the domestic league, and Botafogo will need some fresh faces to improve their game, especially to address a midfield lacking in speed, and be considered serious title challengers.

Winners of the Minas Gerais state championship Atletico MG are considered one of the top teams in the country. Driven forward by tactical coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, the club will be counting on quick striker Diego Tardelli, one of last season’s top goalscorers, to shine. The Galo also have fanatical support at the Mineirao Stadium, that makes their opponents often tremble with fear.

Clubs lining up in the Copa Libertadores can’t be ruled out of competing for the title either. With strong squads, experienced players and promising youngsters, they are sure to be contenders.

Flamengo face the possible exit of Adriano, who could leave the club when his contract expires at the end of May, but can at least look forward to the services of Vagner Love until July. They will also lose some of the advantage the Maracana as the stadium will soon be closed so work to improve it for the 2014 World Cup can begin – when that happens Flamengo will surely have some trouble as they often struggle away from home comforts.

Corinthians too are, like Flamengo, well supported, and 2010 is their centenary year. However, Ronaldo’s side are focusing on the Copa Libertadores, a trophy they have never won, and this could well hinder their performance in the Brasileirão.

Cruzeiro, who were 2009 Copa Libertadores finalists, have managed to hold together almost the same team. Now, with their players gaining experience, the side is very strong and looks likely to win at least some silverware. Their attack of Kleber, Gladiador and Thiago Ribeiro is one of the most dangerous in all Brazil and they deserve respect.

Over at Sao Paulo the club appear to be facing a troubling start after some below-par performances against lesser teams in the Copa Libertadores. The situation is considered so bad by some fans that they are demanding the head of coach Ricardo Gomes. Sao Paulo always field a strong backline though, and this year is no different.

It is perhaps though Internacional out of the teams playing in the Copa Libertadores that have been struggling the most this season. Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati has seen his position questioned and his players don’t appear to be giving their all. Their young midfield star Sandro is joining English side Tottenham Hotspur once the transfer window opens in Europe and with that the team lose a little more of their power.

The Brasileirão will not start to heat up for a while, as the clubs involved in the Copa do Brasil and Copa Libertadores use their whole squad to instead focus on the cup competitions. Teams know though, that three points now have the same value as three points in December and this should ensure some fierce battles. Either way, Brazil should enjoy a fine Brasileirão, and with a potent mix of older stars, up and coming talents, and ever increasing crowds, it could well be one to remember. All the ingredients are there to make the 40th Brasileirão truly special. Now it just remains to be seen how they mix.

 

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