Sean Speaks on Santos' Super Season

We managed to sit down for a chat with busy Santos manager Sean7. Find out what he had to say about the triumph of last season and things to come.


1. How did it feel to be crowned champions last season and what contributed largely to that success?

That last day of fixtures when all was said and done, I was ecstatic. Then I watched Inception, and debated on creating a totem for myself…was I dreaming? It was a historic moment for the club and a great honour to achieve this. I would say in any season, challenging for top honours requires both skill and luck. In the first half of the season, we were mid to bottom table, but a winning run in the second half helped towards obtaining the title.

2. Only ThunderCats have successfully defended the title. Could Santos replicate this? Is everybody ready to go?

We’ve still got the team partying! Maybe that’s why form is so low…Going for two consecutive titles is a hefty challenge, especially now when teams in the lower divisions are building their squads for long-term competitiveness. We’ve also got some of the top sides re-tooling their squads for an even stronger challenge. The targets are on our back, and everyone will be gunning to take us down. We need to be ready and sustain that winning mentality.

3. Will you be looking to make a start early and fly out of the blocks, or just concentrate on what you do bit by bit?

Bit by bit. Form is low. We have little funds. But we’re still Santos. We want to take it game by game, not look too far ahead. Maximize our home advantage, and take at least a point on away games. At this stage in the RMI, it’s almost impossible to win a game by more than 2 goals. I expect many close games.

4. Who do you feel will be the main competitors for the title this season?

All of them! Honestly, this season looks to be the toughest, you’ve got Totaal re-tooling for the strongest team in the top division, RDCM, Darren and FMR promoted, and a bevy of others looking to nick points away. Anything can happen when you’re in the RMI.

5. What do you think of the promoted teams? Could they pose any real threat to the title race?

They very well could. Teams like West Brom and Vikings had large success in their first season in the top flight, it shouldn’t be any different this time around.

6. Are there any matches you're looking forward to in particular?

Definitely looking forward to the Brazil-Netherlands games in mid-season. I know Robin’s chomping at the bit for some unfinished business, and I welcome it. There’s also been some outstanding games between myself and Markham, there's always drama in each fixture, from late goals to improbable comebacks. Both of us go all out, and it’s always an entertaining affair for all.

7. Who will be the key players in your team this season?

I actually feel our defence will be the crucial element to our success. Close games are now a norm in the top flight, making a high skilled defence important. All things considered, we’ve never had a problem scoring goals, but often tend to concede many. Sandström, Maicon and Lukic should be our key players.

8. Anything else you expect from your players this season? Tighten up at the back, score more goals up front? Any targets for individual players?

I feel it’s essential to develop our youth players in midfield, Pino and Robinho, especially when Afonso eventually retires. Defending a title while looking towards the long-term is a difficult task, especially when you consider that recently promoted sides often have younger squads.

A personal goal within the team is to make our forward line the highest scoring in the RMI this season. Adriano has under-achieved the last two seasons, battling alcoholism and fitness issues. However, he’s had an outstanding pre-season, and I’m expecting a top 5 finish from him in the goal scoring charts.

9. We saw Totaalvoetbal's Jaap Cruz retire last season. Are any of your players thinking of doing the same in the near future?

We’ve got at least one player over 33 years of age in each position, and I feel that this may be the last hurrah for many of our defensive players. Sandström, Pragurd and Rodenas may be the ones most likely to retire. Sandström is still a high level player and the lynchpin of our defence. However, as we saw with Cruz, regardless of skill level, player’s minds can change in an instant.

10. What are your thoughts on the development of the RM Invitational league?

The RMI is truly an outstanding league. Every team has a distinct personality, from playing style to their press releases. It’s been a joy to watch the growth of this league and definitely it will continue to attract high quality managers and colourful personalities. Things are kept light-hearted and drama-free. I personally prefer the number of the divisions as they are. It allows each manager to create rivalries with other managers, and participate more in the forum and scribble. Overall, the admin staff have done a wonderful job of keeping things organized, professional, and most of all fun. Long live!