FCBARCELONA.CAT

09.12.2007 11:14

Deportivo, a dangerous visitor

Jordi Clos

Despite being in the relegation zone, the Galicians are a dangerous visitor. Miguel Ángel Lotina’s team is stronger away from home, with two wins and three draws, than at Riazor, where Depor have only won 4 points from a possible 21.

Deportivo de La Coruña arrive at Nou Camp at the low spot of their campaign: they dropped to the relegation zone after losing to Osasuna at their Riazor home ground by 1-2. Home games have become the Achilles’ heel of the team led by Miguel Ángel Lotina. At present they have the worst home record in the league, with only won 4 points from a possible 21.

Stronger away from Riazor

However, the “blanquiazules” have a better away record, with two wins and three draws. Lotina’s philosophy seems to work better away from home, against rivals playing a more open game. Their strongest weapon is the counter-attack, which has resulted in 8 goals in their last 7 away games.

With a solid defence, Deportivo’s problems seem to lie in their attack. The lack of a crack goal-scorer limits their attacking potential. Their key strikers (Guardado, Riki and Xisco) have only scored three goals apiece.

The coach wants “more character”

The fact that Depor are going through a bad spell means that they can’t afford to hold back at Nou Camp. There is a lot at stake for them, including Lotina’s future. The Basque coach called for “more character” from his players after their defeat at the hands of Osasuna. It remains to be seen if his players will provide this. The club, presided over by Augusto César Lendoiro, is looking to boost its squad during the winter transfer window.

Reinforcements: promising youngsters

Deportivo has strengthened its squad with four young players of an average age of 21. This has been the Coruña team’s policy over the last four seasons: Promising young players who still have a lot to prove. This element of youth is both the club’s strength and its main handicap, especially with the pressure of their present league position. Their visit to Nou Camp could be crucial for them to achieve a level of maturity, and to climb out of the danger zone.