“In this game two teams with different dynamics acquired from last year have faced each other.” So he answered Pablo Machin last Sunday when asked about the decisive stage of the match against Granada.
In less than two minutes, his team went from being able to win the match, stopping Rui Silva to deflect the leather to the crossbar and possible penalty on the babazorro, to fit the final 2-1 after the second and resounding defensive error that he committed in the match. “We have to change it,” demanded the Soriano, aware of the urgency of achieving a positive result to prevent alarms from going off at his new club.
The cold statistics, of course, give the reason in an incontestable way to the technician. Since last June 18, when Alavés beat Real Sociedad in Mendizorrotza (2-0) -still with Asier Garitano on the bench – on matchday 29 of the last league, the team has lost no less than 12 of its last 15 games.
Since then, the team conceded a series of six consecutive defeats that put them on the ropes and in serious risk of going down to Segunda A -Celta (6-0), Osasuna (0-1), Atlético de Madrid (2-1) , Granada (0-2), Valladolid (1-0) and Real Madrid (2-0) -. The stumble against the pucelanos, fifth in a row, on July 4, triggered the dismissal of Bergara's coach and the immediate hiring of Lopez Muniz.
The Asturian, who made his debut losing at the Bernabéu, added four points to Getafe in Mendizorrotza (0-0) and Real Betis (1-2) which were ultimately vital to the team's salvation. On the last day, already with the permanence in his pocket, he closed a disappointing past season with a hurtful defeat against Barcelona (0-5).
In total, the final stretch of the last season brought a dismal balance of one win, one draw and seven losses, with only 3 goals for and a whopping 20 against in nine games.
Damn mistakes
The short summer break did not serve to bury such disturbing dynamics. In preseason, already with Machin on the bench, the team had three defeats in a preseason that closed with a sad draw against a Real Sociedad full of players from its lower categories (2-2).
Before, Huesca (1-2), Athletic (2-1) and Osasuna (2-1), brought out the problems and the lack of coupling in defense of the team, in the process of adjustment and assimilation of the 1-3- 5-2 that the new coach wants to implement.
Already with the current league started, it has not been able to correct such a disastrous trend, with stumbles against Betis (0-1) and Granada (2-1) in two duels marked by serious defensive errors. In short, with Machín, including the friendlies, this Alavés shows a balance of no wins, a draw and five losses, with 6 goals in favor and 11 against.
Colista
Therefore it is urgent to react as soon as possible, because Alavés is the only First Club of those who have played two games that have 0 points in their locker. This is the understanding of the footballers who, at least in their statements, conspire to try to break such a negative streak.
“We have not scored any points and the luck is that, every week, we have an opportunity to change the dynamics and raise our heads. We are working well and we have to win at home, because we need it, “he said. Edgar mendez, with “good feelings” personally and “always available for whatever the coach asks for”.
The canary coincided with Joselu, author of the only goal in this league so far, by assuming serious defensive errors. “In these games, the one who has a minimum failure pays it dearly,” he acknowledged.
For his part, the forward demanded “more concentration.” “This is First and when you forgive and make mistakes the rival takes advantage of it,” he commented knowing the need to “correct them” because, if not, “the sacrifice is worth nothing.”