The chronicle of Espanyol – Athletic: the Williams destroy the Luis García effect

The effect Luis Garcia he couldn’t lift one either Spanish in free fall that will continue in the drop zone 10 days before the end of the League. Far from starring in a reaction, the parakeet team completed another match to forgetchained the fifth straight loss and repeated another dismal performance at home. The Athletic of ernesto valverde got up from the Cup hit in Cornella with a convincing performance (1-2). The williamsfirst Inaki (m. 22) and after Nico (m. 75), embittered the premiere of the Asturian coach. And it could be worse. The Basques had chances to draw more blood against an opponent who was only excited about the Darder’s goal in the 90th minute after a gift from Unai Simón.

The problem

The change of coach did not have the desired consequences. You didn’t even see those”Warriors” which had proclaimed Luis Garcia in your presentation. He Espanyol did not intimidate at no time to Athletic, who arrived in Cornellà at a low moment due to his bump against Osasuna. The team of valverde felt comfortable against an adversary from whom much more was expected especially in its staging, which was too bland.

🫂 A hug from two brothers!

👏 @Williaaams45 ahead of @AthleticClub and celebrates with his brother Nico

💙 SPA 0-1 ATH 🦁

#⃣ #LaLigaEnGol pic.twitter.com/aGXLIT6Bo4

— GOL PLAY (@Gol) April 8, 2023

The contrast between Diego Martínez and Luis García was seen especially in the way they handled the ball. The Spanish touched more, but without depth or arrival. Athletic shot nine times, six of them on goal. The Spanish he did not throw between the three sticks until Darder’s goal, a worrying fact in a team that once again conceded a goal in the rival’s first dangerous arrival. Captain Perico’s goal offered a slight opportunity that Aleix Vidal was in charge of ruining with his expulsion.

the tactic

There was a lot of anticipation to see the first eleven of Luis García and the Asturian coach left his mark from the beginning of his stage, both in his tactical disposition and in his style of play. The new preparer opted for a 4-2-3-1 with Gragera and Exposito as main bets, leaving off to Vini Souzaundisputed starter with Diego Martínez, and Denis Suarez. Melamed did not slip into the Asturian’s inaugural lineup either.

The Luis Garcia’s idea It was also clear from the first minute, in search of a greater possession and combinative play instead of abusing so much direct game, as in the previous proposal. Hence the ownership of Grajera, located just ahead of the centrals to facilitate the ball out. darder started more advanced (then dropped his position as Melamed entered) and handful it started from the right, but always moved inwards.

pacheco He acquired more prominence with his foot in actions that the public did not quite understand. He also had a hard time finding Joselu. Back, ruben sanchez got into the right lane and Oscar Gil on the left, the black hole of a defense without Pedrosa or Brian Oliván, whose recovery is essential to close that plot with guarantees. In short, a radical change of philosophy that requires time, just what Espanyol does not have.

The controversy

There were barely 15 seconds left before the break when the Cornellà stands experienced the first high from the Luis Garcia era. Braithwaite caught a ball in the area and beat unai simon with a magnificent shot that meant the tie. The coaching staff also celebrated in a big way, but something was wrong. Joselu He said something to the Dane covering his mouth. He had touched the ball with the arm in the action prior to both.

❌ Goal CANCELED at @RCDEspanyol!

⚽️ scored @MartinBraith but the referee signaled a previous hand of @JoseluMato9

💙 SPA 0-1 ATH 🦁

#⃣ #LaLigaEnGol pic.twitter.com/nlSnM3OZcc

— GOL PLAY (@Gol) April 8, 2023

The VAR did not overlook the detail. the valencian Juan Martinez Munuera He considered that this touch was not accidental (something questionable) and warned the Andalusian Munuera Montera, who went to the monitor and annulled the goal. Such an action would hardly have been seen in football before, but technology can always alter the script. Joselu touched with his hand on his struggle with Vivian and the goal came to nothing. No luck either later in a possible hand of Yuri in which the VAR did not enter.

The environment

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The ‘Luis García effect’ was perceived throughout the week with the sale of more than 5,000 entries with club promotions and massive attendance at the open house training in the sports city Dani Jarque last Thursday. He desire was to break the season attendance record at home, but the Easter factor it dampened expectations despite the good schedule on Saturday afternoon.

The final entry was 24,903 viewers, below the 26,231 of the previous duel at home against the Celtic. The audience dedicated some whistles to Iñaki Williams and he fired the referee with a big whistle at half-time, just after disallowing Braithwaite’s goal. A hobby that does not deserve so much suffering afraid of repeating the drama of 2020, when the team went down to Second after 27 years in the elite. More than one parakeet missed Darder’s goal by leaving the stadium early.