Page 39 - Soccer360 - Issue 103

Girona
A top half finish last term was something a surprise for one of La Liga’s smallest clubs. Now, head coach Michel will have to do it all over again now expectations have been set. They achieved something similar in the 2017-18 season only to end up relegated the following season, so it’s crucial they avoid a repeat. However, adding the likes of Daley Blind to the squad will only aide the Gironistes bid to beat the drop. Cristhian Stuani will need to have his scoring boots on again this campaign, and the hope is that a raft of loan signings gel in order to keep Girona in the top flight and secure a third consecutive campaign come the end of May.
NICKNAME:
Blanquivermells (White and Reds), Gironistes
MANAGER:
Míchel
LAST YEAR FINISH:
La Liga, 10th
Girona will be looking to cause more surprises this season
Granada
Last season’s Segunda Division champions, Granada will be looking to their impressive home form to keep them clear of the relegation zone as they went unbeaten last term at the Nuevo Los Cármenes. However, La Liga
is a different prospect altogether and strengthening the side is a must. Midfielder Gerard Gumbau is a solid top-flight addition while securing Real Madrid defender Jesus Vallejo for another loan spell is good business. Head coach Paco Lopez will be hoping a number of his playing staff who are yet to show their ability come good this season otherwise this campaign could prove to be a struggle.
NICKNAME:
Nazaríes (Nasrids)
MANAGER:
Paco López
LAST YEAR FINISH:
Segunda División, 1st
NICKNAME:
La Unión Deportiva Pío Pío
MANAGER:
Weston Adam
LAST YEAR FINISH:
Segunda División, 2nd
Granada’s striker Bryan Zaragoza celebrates after
scoring
Las Palmas
There is a feeling that Las Palmas is a club on the up following their return to the top-flight for the first time in five years. Turning the Canary Islands into a fortress is a must for head coach Garcia Pimienta who has turned La Unión Deportiva into a possession-based team that make it tough for any visitor. The signing of Munir on a free from Getafe is something of a coup for the club and making the loan deal of Sandro Ramirez into a permanent will only help the club’s cause. Las Palmas could end being one of the shocks of the season - you heard it here first.
Las Palmas’ defender Julian Araujo (L) in action
SOCCER360 MAGAZINE 39
5 WHO CAN THRIVE CON’T.
CARLOS DOTOR - CELTA VIGO
The 22-year-old midfielder gets his chance to shine in La Liga this season with Celta Vigo after netting 26 times in 86 appearances for Real Madrid B. He certainly he has the talent to make the step up and Rafael Benitez could prove to be the perfect manager to help him fulfil his potential.
ILKAY GUNDOGAN - BARCELONA
Fresh off the back of playing an instrumental role in achieving treble success with Manchester City, German Ilkay Gundogan will be looked upon to help guide a young Barcelona midfield and make them ready for the long-term success of the club. However, he will still have his own designs on more silverware in what has been an illustrious career so far.
ANDRE SILVA - REAL SOCIEDAD
Silva’s move to Real Sociedad could prove to be a masterstroke, especially if the 27-year- old can rediscover the form that saw him net an amazing 28 goals in just 32 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt. Who knows, the Portuguese international may have one eye on La Liga’s Golden Boot come the end of the season.