From Joseíto to Diego Martínez: the European dream of a great Granada

With two days to go until this championship ends, Granada has at their fingertips to achieve two dreams that they could not even imagine when this season began, that of their return to Primera. On the one hand, getting a place for next Europa League for the first time in its rich history and for another, equal sixth place, his best historical classification, obtained in the seasons 1971-72 and 1973-74.

In those legendary 70s of the last century José Iglesias Fernández, ‘Joseíto’ was the coach There were two seasons in which Granada, which had great footballers such as Fernández, Aguirre Suárez, Porta, Vicente, Castellanos, Quiles or Montero Castillo brushed the option of being able to get into what was then the UEFA Cup (the current Europa League) . To date these two sixth positions obtained are their best classification.

In this season, seventh place also gives continental ticket, but the mentioned sixth place is also within reach. Getafe occupies it with 54 points, the same as Real Sociedad. Eighth is Athletic with 51 and Valencia ninth with 50, equal points for Granada.

The two remaining games for the team coached by Diego Martínez are against Mallorca and Athletic at Los Cármenes in what can be a heads or tails. Getafe (Atlético and Levante) and Real Sociedad (Sevilla and Atlético) do not have a simple schedule. Valencia must be seen with Espanyol and Sevilla and Athletic, before the appointment against Granada they will receive a Leganés burning boats for their salvation. A concatenation of results will raise Granada to that mythical sixth since it would allow Diego Martínez to match the achievement of the remembered Joseíto (182 games led between First Second). Diego Martínez, renewed until 2021, may be the first coach to complete three consecutive seasons with Granada without interruption. Two great coaches.

And all this has been achieved by Granada with the third lowest salary limit in the First Division (just over 36 million euros) and a tight budget (around 60 million euros). Much merit.

Congratulations Montoro return

One of the joys of the day was the return to the playing fields of Ángel Montoro six months after his injury against Mallorca. The Valencian came out at 54 ’for Foulquier and contributed a lot to the team. Foulquier, Fede Vico and Machís, with various annoyances, pending evolution.

In addition, Antonio Puertas has played his 100th game with Granadto. What is said is a round figure and of much merit.