The derby does have a favorite

One of the common areas used by journalists in the run-up to a derby is the question of favoritism by some or the other, which will serve to fuel the hopes of some and the doubts of others until match time arrives.

As we all know, the entire apparatus surrounding a derby is full of common phrases, of clichés repeated ad nauseum, which contain proven truths, but which, due to their repeated use , becomes empty. But it is inevitable to participate in the favoritism game, which professionals say they avoid…when it does not help their interests, but which they do when they intend to add an extra point of responsibility and pressure to the rival.

Well, let’s play! I admit that if they had asked me for a position a few weeks ago, I would have put “my money” on the table Imanoland I would have done it with my eyes closed.

Now, however, I can’t say the same. Circumstances have changed and the scenario is different. On the one hand, Athletic, it is fair to admit, was fully launched, in a clear upward phase, and in search of its own ceiling. Valverde, who knows fabric like few others, seems to have found the key, and all is well. Not even the absence of the greatest of Williams managed to minimally shatter his optimism.

on the other side, Imanol It makes an enormous effort to keep the flag high, but in recent weeks, even if the results continue to be accompanied, with nuances, the sensations are different. The team seemed tired, less inspired than in previous days, and was also punished by absences. He lost three Africans, he was left without a striker…and he didn’t know if he had a goalkeeper…because Remiro is not there, and Marrero It is in the testing phase.

Too many handicaps to deal with a match of these qualities, always demanding, and at the same time aiming to take the status of the favorite. That’s why I think this derby does have a favorite, but we don’t forget that it’s just that, a derby.

AN ACCELERATED COURSE OF MATURITY

There are several casualties that, for different reasons, Real Sociedad will suffer next Saturday’s derby in San Mamés, all of them important. But there is one, from my point of view, especially sensitive: the goal Remiro.

The team can do without, when the time comes, any field player, but the goalkeeper? That’s where I doubt it. The context of the match, the scenario, the rival, requires a very specific profile of the goalkeeper, and Alex Remiro responds perfectly to it. But Cascante’s man was sent off against Alavés, and his team-mates had to follow from the stands. Brown must be eaten by the beardless footballer, speaking, First Marrerowherein Imanol He provided an alternative, and in an accelerated course, he tried to invent an expert goalkeeper, which was not, but he had to support especially in the circumstances.

Real Sociedad fans have entrusted themselves to this young footballer, who is expected to fulfill, sooner or later, the dream of Zubieta’s technicians to create a goalkeeper from their own factory. The opportunity presented to him Saturday at the cathedral was, in equal parts, terrifying and exciting.

BON CHANCE, MONSIEUR CHO

There is no choice but to wish him better luck at Nice than what he had during his time at Real, where he arrived as one of the rising stars of French football, but from where he leaving much doubt. La Real should be the springboard for Momo Cho, but this became a brake on its development. The future will tell who is wrong and who is right. Good opportunity!

WET GUNPOWDER

It seems incredible that a team like Real, with such a powerful offensive arsenal, has recently posted poor numbers in front of goal. It’s clear that the team continues to build, but has encountered tremendous difficulty when it comes to closing plays. It is always said that attackers make spurts; Well, this is obviously one of the bad ones.

DID YOU KNOW…?

– Real’s last league victory at San Mamés took place in the 2020-2021 season (0-1, Porto), in Imanol’s 100th game on the Realist bench.

– The Imanol-Valverde “head-to-head” in the derbies, at the moment, is in favor of Oriotarra, with two wins to one for the coach of Viandar De la Vera.

– The rivalry on the bench between the two coaches stretches back to Valverde’s time at Barcelona, ​​​​​​which ended in 1 draw and 1 loss for the realists.