A ninth month without a road victory stretches on for Eibar, following a 1-0 defeat against Deportivo at Riazor on Saturday. Despite a performance that manager Beñat San José described as their best in recent memory, a single goal decided the match, leaving the Basque club still searching for that elusive away win. San José, however, remained resolute, emphasizing his team’s dominance throughout the contest and praising their resilience despite the setback. The result leaves Eibar still striving to find consistency on the road as they navigate a competitive Segunda División season.
“I honestly believe we were superior,” San José stated after the match, as reported by El Diario Vasco. “We played a complete game, dominating many phases against a great team. We created numerous dangerous attacks, but lacked the final touch – a precise pass or control – to convert those opportunities into clear-cut chances. Small details made the difference, but despite the defeat, I must congratulate my players.”
A Familiar Foe Finds the Net
The decisive goal came courtesy of a former Eibar player, Mario, whose moment of brilliance unlocked the defense. “It all started with a throw-in where we were a little distracted,” San José explained. “Then Mario produced a moment of genius, the kind he used to deliver for Eibar.” The goal, even as frustrating, didn’t derail Eibar’s game plan, according to the manager. “The goal hurt us, but it didn’t knock us off course. We continued with the same plan and played a match we deserved to win.”
San José’s assessment of his team’s performance was echoed in his tactical adjustments. Eibar pressed high up the pitch, disrupting Deportivo’s build-up play with Adu Ares and Martón consistently pushing into the opponent’s half. This aggressive approach made it difficult for the home side to establish a rhythm, and Deportivo struggled to gain traction in Eibar’s territory. “We were exceptionally decent in our pressing and also prepared for when Deportivo came at us, as they often do,” San José said.
Tactical Shifts and Defensive Strength
Beyond the pressing, San José opted to adjust his midfield, aiming for clearer passing lanes out of defense. Deportivo responded by shifting to a five-man backline, prioritizing defensive solidity as the game wore on. “They changed their wings to form that line of five they like to use in defense,” San José noted. “Deportivo doesn’t just have attacking players. they also have extraordinary defensive players.”
Despite the tactical adjustments and Eibar’s overall dominance, the result remained elusive. San José acknowledged the difficulty of breaking down a well-organized defense, but remained optimistic about his team’s progress. “We haven’t won on the road yet, and as a coach, I take responsibility for that. It’s hard to highlight other positives when we haven’t secured a victory. We’ve had some good away performances, and this was one of the best, but we lost and we’re frustrated and very angry. This is a reference point for the countdown to when that victory will arrive.”
Looking Ahead: A Positive Outlook
San José emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, believing that each game presents an opportunity to break their away-game drought. “We desire to be positive and believe that each game brings us closer to that win,” he said. “We need to work hard and give our best in both defense and attack.”
The manager’s focus remains firmly on the bigger picture – achieving the team’s season objectives and consistently displaying competitive football. “Our obsession must be the season as a whole, achieving our goal, and showing that complete and competitive football we’re demonstrating. That has to be our obsession. We want to see it in a positive way, knowing that one day it will come, and every away game is the right one. We’re focused on that.”
Eibar’s next challenge will see them return to Ipurua, where they will seem to build on their strong home form. While the defeat at Riazor was undoubtedly a setback, San José’s unwavering belief in his team’s ability and his commitment to a positive approach suggest that Eibar will continue to push for success in the Segunda División. The team will undoubtedly analyze the match, learn from the missed opportunities, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
¡Tus opiniones importan! Comenta en los artículos y suscríbete gratis a nuestra newsletter y a las alertas informativas en la App o el canal de WhatsApp. ¿Buscas licenciar contenido? Haz clic aquí
