The 2024 Serie A has already kicked off, and with it, speculations about team performances are already peaking.
Criciúma, one of the main teams from the south of Brazil, had an excellent year in 2023 and has finally earned the chance to return to Serie A of the Brazilian championship, expected to have a strong season.
Criciúma is a traditional club in national football, and it’s a fact that it does not have many financial resources. Criciúma has one of the cheapest squads in Brazilian Serie A, a factor that could significantly impact the team’s season, even though the expectations and goals for the season are set low.
Season Expectations
The fans expect the same thing the board does: to keep Criciúma in Brazilian Serie A. Although this might seem like a simple goal for many teams, for Criciúma, it is a significant challenge. The squad has few standout players, and many will need to prove their worth throughout the season.
Despite the limitations, it is a fact that Criciúma has been playing good football and securing important points in the competition. The team’s goal is to stay in Serie A, but the recent performance shows that Criciúma could even secure a spot in the next Sudamericana.
Transfer Market Movements
After gaining access to Brazilian Serie A, Criciúma made some investments to strengthen the team, with nearly all positions featuring new players. The standout additions to the team are left-back Miguel Trauco, who arrived directly from MLS, and midfielder Neilton, formerly of Botafogo, who bring a touch of experience to the squad.
As you can see, even with the signings, Criciúma still has a roster with few young signings, purely for financial reasons. With the maintenance of the team in the elite of Brazilian football, the tendency is for the club to strengthen and keep improving the team’s level, but for now, the focus is on staying in Serie A.
Current Moment in the Competition
Criciúma is far from being one of the technical references of Serie A, but it still stands well within the competition. Even with two games less, the team is in 14th place in the standings with significant results both home and away. This is an average start to the season, but it could be enough to achieve the team’s goal.
The two games less are a comforting factor for Criciúma; two victories could propel the team into the upper part of the standings, reaching 10th place in the table. Indeed, it’s an impressive performance considering the team’s limitations and the profile of signings.
What to Expect from This Season
The future of Criciúma is uncertain, as the team needs to maintain its status in the elite of Brazilian football to rebuild itself in the elite. However, the start of the season is promising, and if the team maintains the same pace, it is possible that Criciúma will continue to stay in the national Serie A.
