Page 38 - Soccer360 - Issue 103

Cadiz CF’s players celebrate after scoring
Rafael Benitez is the new head coach of Celta Vigo
Cádiz
The Yellow Submarine’s 14th place finish last season is a little deceiving as
for the second season in a row survival was only guaranteed on the final
day of the campaign. Head coach Sergio will be looking for a less stressful season’s end this time around but will have to do it without last season’s main attacking threat Theo Bongonda, who has joined Spartak Moscow. First team regular Pacha Espino has also left to join rivals Rayo Vallecano, although Sergi Guardiola and Gonzalo Escalante have made their loan deals permanent signings to bolster Sergio’s options. Survival once again is the target for side who have spent the last three seasons surprising many.
Celta Vigo
There is a big change in the dugout for Celta Vigo this season with former Liverpool, Internazionale and Real Madrid head coach Rafael Benítez stepping into the hotseat. The Spaniard has wasted no time in making an impression in the transfer market as he looks to avoid a repeat of last season’s narrow escape from relegation, snapping up winger Jonathan Bamba on a free transfer from Lille and Real Madrid youngster Carlos Dotor, who has a reputation for having an eye for goal from midfield. Javi Galan has left to join Atletico Madrid in something of a blow to the Sky Blues, but expectations are high and a top half finish is not out of the question.
NICKNAME:
Los/Os Celestes (The Sky Blues) O Celtiña (dim)
MANAGER:
Rafael Benítez
LAST YEAR FINISH:
La Liga, 13th
Luca de la Torre (R) of Celta Vigo
NICKNAME:
El Submarino Amarillo (The Yellow Submarine)
MANAGER:
Sergio González
LAST YEAR FINISH:
La Liga, 14th
Getafe
NICKNAME:
Geta
Azulones (Deep Blue Ones)
MANAGER:
José Bordalás
LAST YEAR FINISH:
La Liga, 15th
Girona FC’s Arnau Martinez (L) in action against Getafe’s Carles Alena
Pepe Bordalas stepped in late last season to guide Getafe to safety and has now signed a two-year deal to manage the club going forward. Flirting with relegation will not be on the agenda for those in the boardroom but strength in depth and finding goals may be an issue, especially as star striker Enes Ünal continues a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an ACL injury. Expect a physical Getafe side going into the new campaign with new signing Choco Lozano providing a fresh attacking option. Much depends on whether they can find the back of the net early on in the campaign. If not, another relegation battle will be on the cards.
Getafe´s head coach Jose Bordalas (R) reacts during the Spanish LaLiga soccer
match between Real Valladolid and Getafe CF
38 SOCCER360 MAGAZINE
2023-24 LA LIGA SEASON PREVIEW