Xerez's makeover: Segovia starts to give the team a personality

Photo: Diario Xerecista

Four matchdays after the arrival of Abel Segovia, Xerez CD are a different team. They have gone from 2 points in the first four matchdays to 7 in the next four, and above all they have recovered something they had lost: a recognisable way of playing.

From "no personality" to a recognisable team

Xavi Molist's spell ended with two draws, two defeats and a single goal scored. The defeat in Huelva, which hastened his dismissal, left the image of a team without ideas and without personality. Segovia arrived with the team sunk in the table and no time to settle in.

His debut was unusual. Against Tenerife B he had to watch the match from the stands, because his registration had not yet been processed, and Juan Pedro Ramos sat on the bench. Even so, the team came from behind to claim their first win. Some of the changes were already visible: full-backs providing width and wingers cutting inside to look for one-on-ones.

Pressing, transitions and character at Chapín

In Seville, against Betis Deportivo, Xerez became the first team to score against the leaders, with a high press, ball recoveries and quick transitions. Fatigue cost them the win at the end. Against Ciudad de Lucena they dominated from start to finish and hit the crossbar twice, but lost to an 89th-minute goal. Against Marbella they suffered in the first half, but Segovia turned to his bench at the break and bringing on Ismael won them the game.

Under Segovia the record stands at 7 points out of 12, four goals scored and three conceded. The team have climbed out of the automatic relegation places, and the coach himself sums it up: the team "has an identity".

The unfinished business: goals

The makeover is not yet complete. Xerez have scored five goals in eight matchdays, the second-lowest tally in the group, and Segovia himself admits the team need to finish the chances they create. With their personality recovered, the next step is for that improvement to show on the scoreboard so they can start looking upwards.