Andalusian teams make up a quarter of La Liga, but that figure could drop if clubs fail to take advantage of the winter transfer window. Here is what each of these clubs need and can expect from the period.
Sevilla FC
Sevilla live normally in a comfortable residence known as fifth place. Occasionally this expectation is exceeded with a push for the Champions League but more often than not the self-proclaimed kings of the last editions of the UEFA cup seem happy where they are.
The fact that they are only 6 points of that hallowed fourth place after some dismal performances goes some way towards proving the lack of quality in depth in the Spanish top flight beyond the top three. Nonetheless, Sevilla’s season could be more than salvaged with a continued run in their favourite competition and a more consistent second half of the season.
What they need
Not to sell players like Rakitic or Alberto Moreno. Sevilla need to make a statement that they can hold on to their top players for any aspirations to have credibility. If Perotti can get back to anywhere near his previous form then the creativity aspect should be more than covered. What they badly need is someone to replace the goal-scoring prowess of Alvaro Negredo.
What they can expect
Linked with Brazilian forward Neilton Meira, who is rumoured to be the next Pele, Messi, Jesus Christ or someone of an even higher ilk. Often players with such a billing fail to live up to their potential, and if he is that good, why are only Sevilla and Oporto in for him? Sevilla’s president Jose del Nido makes a lot of noise but is often unclear about his intentions. Most Sevilla fans will be pleased just to see more continuity and improvement from the current squad.
Real Betis
Propping up the league with only two victories this season, some dire performances and a change of manager. Did Betis do too much last season? or too little this one? Whether they can make up the seven points that separate them from safety and indeed take 29 from the second half of the season to make the magic 40, seems a very tall order.
What they need
A goal scorer. Maybe two. Ruben Castro alone cannot guarantee the goals they need to stay up. Jorge Molina is not up to the standard of this league and replacements must be found. The loss of Beñat’s creativity in midfield has also hurt them as Juan Verdú has failed to make the grade. Some lacklustre performances have also meant the fans are quickly losing faith in the team’s ability.
What they can expect
As is often the case with a club in their position, they are currently linked with every B list footballer available, and also a few that they probably can’t afford. Money seems to be tight in this part of Seville, but the loan signing of Leo Baptistao could prove a masterstroke. Benfica’s Cardozo and Liverpool’s Aspas have also been mentioned on numerous occasions, but could prove a costly gamble. Intelligent loans and more gumption from the current squad hold the key to survival.
Malaga CF
Malaga’s fall from grace and possible return to the dark place from whence they came seems unstoppable with the current financial policy in place at the club. After having opened Alladin’s cave for them, Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani promptly closed it again after deciding his immense wealth could be put to better use. Since then the club has had to fend for itself with lesser versions of the side that made the Champions League; Schuster is not Pelligrini, Roque Santa Cruz is not Isco and so on.
What they need
Seems so detached from what they can expect, if, as expected, little cash is available and what is on hand for players has to come from sales, the manager’s hands will be tied. These are desperate times for Malaga, who thought they would become the next Manchester City, but now the only link between the two clubs is that they lost the manager to the latter.
What they can expect
An audacious loan bid for Madrid starlet Jesé would appear unlikely as the youngster is beginning to play more for Ancelotti’s side. News on the team is quite thin on the ground at the moment, but one thing is for certain, the days of splashing out are over. Pablo Perez has arrived from Newell’s in Argentina though details of the operation are sketchy.
Granada CF
Granada have performed much better than people would have expected and can boast a top-ten position at the half-way stage. However that is only seven points away from the drop, or looking at the glass as being half full, seven points away from European qualification should one of the big teams costless up an extra Europa League spot. Lucas Alcaraz’s team will be looking to get as close to 40 points as possible before the end of season run in.
What they need
To continue the good work, beat the teams in the bottom ten at home and it will be more or less job done. The club is not renowned for flashing the cash so again new faces could be loan signings or players brought in from the lower divisions .
What they can expect
With a reduced budget, movements will be limited. The manager will try to hold on the players he has to avoid disruption. As with team struggling to find the net, a spare striker will help the cause greatly.
UD Almeria
Almeria’s situation is also delicate. However, as more of their 19 points have come on the road (10), that should give them some hope. Whether or not the distraction of the cup will affect their league progress remains to be seen.
What they need
To be better than three other teams. A relegation scrap looks inevitable so sorting out their home form against direct rivals will be a must.
What they can expect
Maybe players coming through from the “B” team and a signing from lesser leagues. If they are to survive, they will probably have to do so with the players they have.