Coudet feeling the heat as Alavés slip into relegation zone: 'I'm psychologically ready to manage in Vietnam'
Eduardo Coudet reflects on Alavés' narrow defeat to Atlético Madrid and addresses growing pressure as his side finds themselves in the relegation spots for the first time this season.
Alavés manager Eduardo Coudet has delivered a brutally honest assessment after his side slipped into La Liga’s relegation zone following their 1-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano.
Pressure mounting at Mendizorroza
The Argentine coach, clearly feeling the strain of Alavés’ precarious position, responded to questions about the psychological toll with a remarkable quip: “Psychologically I’m ready to manage in Vietnam.” Talk about keeping your sense of humour when you’re in the brown stuff!
It’s the first time this season Alavés have dropped into the bottom three, though Coudet was quick to point out the congested nature of the lower half of the table, where just four points separate several clubs.
“I don’t like being in relegation positions, but it’s something the club is used to experiencing,” Coudet explained, showing remarkable candour about both his own struggles and the club’s historical battles against the drop.
Tactical approach against Atleti
Coudet deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation with Guridi operating as a second striker when in possession. Despite the eventual defeat, there were positives to take:
- Alavés competed well against a superior opponent
- They created “two or three very clear chances” that could have earned a point
- The team fought until the final whistle
However, the manager was clearly frustrated with how his team started the second half, leading to the decisive goal: “We can’t concede the goal we conceded.”
Looking ahead
Coudet acknowledged the difficulty of their recent fixture list, having faced both Villarreal and Atlético away from home. The focus now shifts to their crucial upcoming home match against Real Betis.
“We need to win at home in another difficult match due to Betis’ level,” Coudet stated, emphasizing the importance of making Mendizorroza a fortress.
When questioned about his job security, Coudet channeled his inner Carlo Ancelotti, recalling how the Italian once remarked after Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona sacking that pressure “was part of the manager’s job.”
One thing’s certain - Coudet won’t be getting much kip this week as he searches for solutions to Alavés’ relegation fears.