This season started off brilliantly for Alaves and they were in the European places halfway through a campaign where they were expected to be fighting against relegation, but they fell down the table in the second half.
After Abelardo had come in to save the club from what seemed like a certain relegation the year before, the coach had a full pre-season with the team and was in charge for the entire campaign.
With his simple 4-4-2 formation, Alaves started the season so well and were as high as second place in the 10th round, while finishing the first half of the season in fifth place.
Yet they were the third-worst team in the entire league across the second half of the season. There are a few explanations for this. First, they sold Ibai Gomez, one of their best players, in January. Second, their objective was to avoid relegation so there was less motivation once this was achieved. Third, the coach Abelardo reportedly fell out with directors and this led to tension.
All of this combined to make this a bittersweet season for Alaves. Overall, it was a success, but the way it finished leaves a sour taste.
For next season, they have hired Asier Garitano as their new coach and this suggests they’ll stick with their defence-first style of football, even if there will be some tactical adjustments.
The squad remains strong and is one of the youngest ones in the league, so the future could be bright.
