Sporting Gijón shun director of football model as injury crisis deepens
Executive president José Riestra defends Sporting's collaborative approach to transfers while on-loan Barcelona defender Andrés Cuenca joins growing injury list
Sporting Gijón are sticking to their guns with an unorthodox management structure while dealing with defensive injury woes that now include Barcelona loanee Andrés Cuenca.
No room for a sporting director
Sporting’s Mexican executive president José Riestra has been taking stock of the winter transfer window, making it crystal clear the club sees no need for a traditional director of football role in their setup.
“We don’t believe in the figure of a sporting director,” the club told EFE, explaining their preference for a collaborative approach rather than having one person calling all the shots on transfers.
Riestra emphasized that manager Borja Jiménez plays a significant part in recruitment decisions alongside other staff members. The president praised Jiménez’s adaptability, noting how the gaffer has shown a knack for “getting the maximum from his squads.”
This collective approach to transfer dealings isn’t just a passing fancy either - it’s a long-term strategy the club is fully committed to.
“This is the sporting management model we’ve designed over 18 years and it’s been successful,” Riestra explained, suggesting they won’t be changing their approach any time soon.
Defensive headaches mount
Meanwhile, Sporting’s backline has taken another blow with Barcelona loanee Andrés Cuenca now sidelined. The club confirmed the 18-year-old central defender has suffered a hamstring injury in his left leg that could keep him out for up to three weeks.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the youngster, who picked up the injury during what turned out to be a nightmare debut at El Molinón against Huesca. Cuenca was forced off after grabbing the back of his thigh following a clearance - hardly the introduction he was hoping for in Sporting colours.
His absence compounds existing defensive concerns with Pablo Vázquez and Curbelo also in the treatment room, though Jiménez’s coaching staff remain hopeful both could return to availability this week ahead of Sunday’s clash with Albacete.