Escribá unfazed by Valladolid relegation dogfight: 'I've overcome tougher situations'
New Real Valladolid manager Fran Escribá shows confidence in turning around the club's dire situation after replacing Luis García Tevenet at the helm.
New Real Valladolid boss Fran Escribá has wasted no time showing he’s got the minerals for a proper relegation scrap, declaring his confidence in turning around the historic club’s worst form in decades.
Straight into the deep end
The experienced Spanish gaffer was unveiled just hours after his appointment, having already led his first training session following Luis García Tevenet’s sacking. The previous manager had overseen four consecutive defeats, leaving Valladolid in the drop zone facing potential relegation to Primera RFEF.
Rather than being daunted by the task ahead, Escribá seems proper buzzing about it:
“I’ve dealt with situations just as difficult as this one or worse, and we’ve managed to turn them around,” the Valencian coach stated confidently.
Psychological approach first
Escribá emphasized that his immediate priority is addressing the squad’s mental state:
- Focus on unblocking players’ mindsets
- Provide calm and reassurance to a “committed group”
- Clear their heads before tactical adjustments
“They’re a good team, even if it doesn’t look like it right now,” he insisted, showing faith in the struggling squad.
Tactical flexibility
When discussing his footballing philosophy, Escribá outlined a balanced approach:
- Not overly attack-minded or defensive
- Preference for organized, compact team structure
- Adaptable tactics based on opposition analysis
- Favors 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formations, but willing to adjust
Interestingly, the new boss revealed he was actually supporting Valladolid during their recent defeat to Granada – his previous club – due to his existing relationship with sporting director Víctor Orta.
Orta’s backing
Speaking at the same presentation, Orta took some of the blame for the current situation but expressed complete confidence in his new appointment:
“When a manager is sacked, we’ve all failed at the club, myself first. I know Fran very well and I’m absolutely certain he’s the best manager for this moment. I’m sure this is the best decision we’ve made all season.”
The sporting director also pointed to Valladolid’s strong results against top teams as evidence the squad has the quality to compete successfully in the division.