Borja Jiménez Warns Sporting: Valladolid's Squad Was Built to Go Up
Sporting de Gijón boss Borja Jiménez has been talking up Sunday's opponents Valladolid ahead of their El Molinón clash in Segunda División.
Sporting de Gijón manager Borja Jiménez has given Valladolid a proper big-up ahead of Sunday’s 2pm clash at El Molinón — while making it crystal clear his side won’t be taking the visitors lightly.
A Squad Designed to Go Up
Jiménez was pretty candid in his pre-match presser, pointing out that Valladolid aren’t just any mid-table Segunda side going through the motions. The Pucela outfit were in Primera División last season, and their squad still reflects that. They brought in Primera-level and international players in the January window, and Jiménez isn’t pretending otherwise.
His read on the situation? Valladolid are a club that expected to be competing at a higher level, and being stuck in the second tier — even temporarily — is genuinely uncomfortable for them. As he put it, adjusting after a relegation isn’t easy, especially with a demanding fanbase breathing down your neck.
Worth noting: Jiménez actually has personal ties to Valladolid, having worked with their reserve side in the past. He admitted he’d been ringing up family and people close to the club to get a proper feel for what’s going on internally. That’s the kind of detail that tells you he’s done his homework.
New Boss, Same Approach
Valladolid have just appointed Fran Escribá as their new manager, and Jiménez has never faced him as an opponent. Still, he’s got nothing but respect for the bloke — experienced in La Liga and the Champions League, and someone he expects to set up a very recognisable, organised Valladolid side, perhaps with a bit of renewed energy given the managerial change.
Sporting have actually dealt with newly-appointed managers four times already this season, so Jiménez wasn’t losing any sleep over it. They prepared for this one the same way they’d prepare for any other.
That 2pm Hoodoo
Here’s a fun one: Sporting have never won a home game at the 2pm Sunday slot. Jiménez brushed it off, saying he fancies breaking the curse and giving the home faithful something to celebrate.
- He’s not using the time slot as an excuse
- He openly said he hopes Escribá and Valladolid do well after the match, given his affection for the club
- Make of that what you will
Sporting’s Situation and Injury News
In terms of where Sporting themselves are at, Jiménez reckons every home game is going to be massive for hitting their targets this season. The squad are feeling confident, even if the table doesn’t make for the prettiest reading.
On the injury front, things are relatively manageable:
- Out: Cuenca and Loum (both injured)
- Back: Curbelo and Otero have returned to fitness
- Doubt: Nacho Martín, who’s carrying an Achilles issue and is being carefully managed
All in all, Jiménez is treating this one with the seriousness it deserves. Valladolid might be struggling by their own standards, but they’ve got the squad to hurt anyone in this division on their day.