Segovia’s touch is showing, but Xerez have no margin for error left

Photo: Diario Xerecista

Opinion: the team is starting to show a recognisable idea under the new coach, although it needs to build fitness and the league table has stopped forgiving

The Xerez CD seen in Seville is no longer the side of the opening matchdays. Under Abel Segovia, the new coach’s touch is starting to show, and so are the shortcomings still weighing on a team under construction.

An idea that is starting to show

The most visible change is on the flanks. The full-backs push wide and provide width, while the wide players drift inside and play between the lines. That formula creates numerical superiority, opens up channels and leads to more one-on-one situations. Against Betis Deportivo, the team started very well, pressing the green-and-whites’ build-up play with intensity and dominating for a good part of the match, up to Chuma’s goal.

A missing level of fitness

But Seville also exposed the problem. The team lasted as long as the fuel lasted. Past the hour mark, fatigue took its toll, the opponents gained ground and Xerez ended up pinned back, holding on. Pressing high demands a level of fitness that the squad does not fully have today, and it is an area where Segovia and his coaching staff have work ahead of them.

Players who are not there yet and others who deserve a chance

The squad is not fully up and running either. There are players who have not yet reached their best level, and others who deserve more opportunities than they are getting. With a new coach and a team in transition, it is time to share out trust with good judgement and reward those who perform.

The margin is narrowing

The biggest problem is not the football, but the fixture list and the points. The poor start to the league has reduced the margin for error. On top of that, Recreativo and Betis Deportivo are not slipping up, which forces Xerez not to drop any more points at Chapín. And also to start picking up points away from home, where they have taken only 2 out of 9, even though in that stretch they have faced three teams expected to be at the top.

Conclusion

There are reasons for optimism in the ideas and the attitude, but the season no longer allows for slip-ups. With two matches in a row at Chapín, Xerez have the chance to turn good feelings into points. From now on, every matchday counts double.