Oviedo Fans Sharpen Their Claws for Almada's Arrival
Real Oviedo's return to La Liga after 24 years has descended into chaos, with new manager Guillermo Almada walking into a toxic atmosphere before even arriving.
Centenary Celebrations Turn Sour in Asturias
What should have been a season of jubilation for Real Oviedo has rapidly deteriorated into a proper dog’s dinner. The club’s long-awaited return to Spain’s top flight after a 24-year absence, combined with their centenary celebrations, promised a campaign to remember – but for all the wrong reasons, it’s becoming exactly that.
Crisis Mode Activated
We’re not even six months removed from their promotion party, and Oviedo find themselves embroiled in a bitter internal war threatening to extinguish all optimism around the Carbayones. The latest casualty appears to be incoming manager Guillermo Almada, who’s being judged before he’s even had a chance to park his motor at the training ground.
Jesús Martínez, head honcho at Grupo Pachuca (Oviedo’s owners), has taken personal control of the club’s second major sporting crisis this season. The first being:
- The sacking of Veljko Paunovic, reportedly due to disagreements with Martínez himself
- The controversial appointment of Luis Carrión against supporters’ wishes
- A disastrous run of eight matches without victory leaving the team in the relegation mire
From Valladolid to Asturias
Almada emerges as Martínez’s personal choice to save Oviedo’s season, with the owner directly contacting Valladolid officials to express his intention to poach their Uruguayan gaffer. Timing couldn’t be worse for Valladolid, but perhaps perfect for Almada, who’d already faced calls for his resignation following defeat to Andorra.
The door to La Liga management has swung open for him, though Oviedo’s curious delay in officially announcing the appointment has fueled speculation about potential second thoughts. Tuesday’s training session being pushed back appears a deliberate move to buy time for Almada’s arrival before Saturday’s crucial clash with Celta Vigo.
Power Players Behind the Scenes
One figure gaining significant influence in Martínez’s decision-making process is Rafael Monge, a former player agent who played a pivotal role in bringing Almada to Valladolid initially. He’s reportedly been the driving force behind Oviedo handing their managerial reins to the Uruguayan.
The mission? Secure survival in a top-flight campaign that few in Asturias currently believe is salvageable. Talk about a baptism of fire.