Cádiz stick with Garitano despite rough patch as Kouamé returns to the fold
The Yellow Submarine reaffirm their faith in manager Gaizka Garitano after three straight defeats, while welcoming back Ivorian midfielder Kouamé from MLS.
Despite three consecutive defeats putting Gaizka Garitano under the spotlight, Cádiz have publicly backed their manager and welcomed back Ivorian midfielder Romy Kouamé from his MLS stint.
Club closes ranks around Garitano
Cádiz’s sporting director Cala came out swinging on Tuesday, making it crystal clear that the club remains fully behind their Basque gaffer. Despite sitting 11th in the table with 34 points and looking a bit off the pace for promotion, Cala expressed optimism that the team would overcome this rough patch.
“We’re sure we’ll be fighting for the playoffs by the end of the season,” Cala told reporters, showing the club views Garitano not as a temporary fix but as the cornerstone of their yellow-tinted project.
Interestingly, Cala revealed that Garitano’s contract includes an automatic one-year extension clause if promotion is achieved - showing they’re planning for the long haul rather than a quick Adam and Eve.
Kouamé returns with Fali’s number
The Ivorian midfielder Kouamé, who spent the last two seasons with Cádiz before being loaned to Chicago Fire last year, has been welcomed back to the squad. He’ll don the number 3 shirt previously worn by central defender Fali, who’s been given his marching orders during the January window.
Fali’s departure wasn’t your typical transfer saga - the Valencia-born player was sacked for disciplinary reasons. Cala didn’t mince his words, stating that Fali hadn’t performed at the level expected of a professional footballer, despite his injury troubles.
Challenge issued to squad leaders
In what seemed like a proper kick up the backside, Cala called on several players to step up their game, specifically naming:
- Javier Ontiveros
- Suso
- Brian Ocampo
- Yussi Diarra
The sporting director made it clear these players need to show more leadership, bluntly stating “that’s why they’re here.”
For Cádiz, currently sitting in mid-table mediocrity, this public show of support for Garitano coupled with the challenge to key players signals their determination to make a late push for the promotion playoffs.