A sporting chance. bem-vindo a Portugal

A look back to see where Sporting Lisbon and Fiorentina failed and a look ahead to next season.

Sporting Lisbon fans were jubilant when they heard of the appointment of top manager Mrmalcolm who replaced the Good Doctor Fox.

What went wrong.

Sporting Lisbon: They went from a promotion seeking side to relegation fodder in the course of 1 season. It is hard to lay the blame completely on Doctor Fox, when the previous manager Houdini Smith had done so much harm in his second season.

The sale of Rui Patricio was the direct cause of the sides relegation, with the previous sale of Carvalho not being far behind. If you combine that with the loss of Bryan Ruiz you can see where it went wrong. Not a single decent player or prospect moved in over season 3. A club that needs help for sure.

Fiorentina: The key is the keeper again. Jefferson’s inexplicable loss of form and Tatarusanu’s relative lack of experience, meant teams they beat last season they drew with and draws turned into losses. Next season will be equally tough as the new gaffer has understandably let some stars go inexchange for long term talent, but without a 90 rated striker , life in D2 could be interesting.

Sporting Lisbon reborn.

Starting at the back. Lodygin has put aside the differences he had with the previous boss and early indication suggest that he will soon be back onto his best form after being left out for most of next season. Fabri and Pele provide experienced back up with Posavec the youth keeper expected to challenge for a first team place.

The defensive line will see 2 new faces , Jefferson and Olivera keep there places with, Danilo and the experienced Burdisso added to the squad. Sorbon and the fantastic prospect Semedo will provide cover.

In midfield Adrien Silva can provide the anchor or offensive role, Blaszczykowski will attack down the right, and Bengtsson or Jefferson swapping on the left of midfield as needed. Andre Martins and Fernandes will be the 5th member of midfield when needed with Vazquez pushing into attack.

Slimani and Mitroglu will aim to pierce the defense of most sides.

There is still space for one more signing and some players such as Sacko and Figueirido will need to prove their worth.

Aims for the season.

Stability and growth. Top 10 is not out of the question .

Locally we already see ourselves as the best Lisbon side and expect to swap places with rivals Benfica soon, we would love to test ourselves vs Porto.

Youth cup. We have a real chance this year, with plenty of young talent coming in .

A sporting chance. bem-vindo a Portugal