FCBARCELONA.CAT

21.09.2008 10:42

Keeping with the same philosophy that has brought success

Jordi Clos

Sporting Gijon return to the Primera Division without any major changes to their squad or way of playing. Their primary objective against Barça is to win their first points of the season.

Promotion to the Primera Division ten years after a painful relegation hasn’t altered the plans of Sporting, who remain loyal to the long term project initiated in 2006/07. With Manolo Preciado on the bench, the Asturian club has returned to the path of success. One fact says it all: up to thirty players from the Mareo contributed to last season’s promotion.

No change in philosophy

Going on what we have seen so far, the only thing that has changed for Gijon is the division. They have retained the same squad that won promotion – only signing five new players – and play with the same fighting spirit that saw them promoted in an almost agonising manner. Their tactics haven’t changed either: Sporting still use a 4-2-3-1 formation with a good passing game.

Zero points from two games

The opening games of the fixture list have been very demanding for the red-and-whites. In the opening five games the have to face Getafe, Seville, Barça, Madrid and Villarreal. So far, hey have lost to Getafe (1-2) and Seville (4-3) in two games in which we were witness to the virtues of Preciado, enthusiasm and simplicity, and also their main handicap, namely their inexperience.

The majority of their players are making their debuts in the Primera Division and so this will be their first time playing against Barça. It’s only the third game but sporting will want to win their first points of the season against Barça. To do so, they can count on the incredible support of their loyal fans.