Friday, May 18th, 2012
In the latest of our team-by-team previews to the new La Liga season, spanishfootball.info writer and former Pamplona resident Kieran Canning looks at what to expect from Osasuna this season.
Last season had a sense of déjà vu for Osasuna fans. A poor start to the campaign saw a change in manager as José Antonio Camacho’s 16-month reign in Navarra came to an end and he was replaced by José Luis Mendilibar.
Mendilibar’s first season in charge turned out to be remarkably similar to Camacho’s in the 2008/09 season. Relegation was only overcome by a fine late run to the season and due to how tight the league was, a win on the final day of the season at home to Villarreal secured not only Primera Liga status but a ninth-placed finish.
There were some real highlights amongst another season of general angst, most notably the defeat of Real Madrid on a proper winter’s night in Pamplona at the end of January. The noise and sheer vitriol directed towards Madrid’s collection of snood-clad superstars as Osasuna’s journeymen buzzed around non-stop for 90 minutes symbolised everything that is CA Osasuna .
However, major change this summer means there is again an air of instability surrounding the club. Osasuna are one of the victims in the way Spanish football finance is so recklessly regulated. As one of the few clubs who actually live within their means and pay their players on time, they are unfairly disadvantaged by others spending furiously on players that they cannot afford only to seek the protection of voluntary administration.
As a result of being realistic with their finances, their two standout performers last season Nacho Monreal and Javier Camunas have left for Malaga and Villarreal respectively. Veterans Josetxo Romero and Walter Pandiani have also not had their contracts renewed, whilst Ferrán Corominas has returned to Espanyol following his loan spell last season.
Striker Nino who has been prolific during his time in the Segunda with Tenerife and Elche has joined from the Canarians after they were relegated from the second-tier last season. Making the same move form Tenerife to Pamplona is right-back Marc Bertrán, whilst the defence has been further bolstered by the signings of Rubén Gonzalez from Mallorca and Finnish internationalist Jukka Raitala on loan from Hoffenheim.
As ever with Osasuna the two obstacles to a successful season will be an ability to score goals and to take points away from home. Former Atleti striker Ibrahima Balde could add some much needed pace to the frontline after agreeing a three-year deal in July and Kike Sola who impressed towards the end of last season, in particular with two vital goals in the 3-2 win over Sevilla, has renewed his contract.
Another Osasuna old-boy has been rumoured with a return to the Reyno de Navarra. Raúl García hasn’t had the best of times (to put it mildly) since joining Atlético Madrid in 2007 for € 13m. His time in Madrid has been so disastrous that there are undoubtedly a few Atleti fans who would be more than willing to drive Garcia back to his home city of Pamplona, but he was Osasuna’s star-performer as they reached the Uefa Cup semi-finals four years ago and hopefully a change of scenery will bring out the best in him again should he return.
Every team enters the new season with an air of confidence and excitement, whether it is justified or not, and Osasuna’s fervent following will be no different. In honesty though I would expect to see the same movie again this season; a relegation fight caused by poor form away from home but with the odd sprinkling of magic and probably a few big name scalps at the Reyno de Navarra.
I expect a big season from Nino. Last year was a nightmare at Tenerife and let’s not forget he scored 14 goals when the canarios were in the Primera two years ago. Bertran too is a good player. Those two will be rejuvenated at Osasuna this season.
Yes, was possibly a bit harsh to describe Nino as prolific at Segunda level but still a big ask for the new guys to come in and replace Camunas, Monreal, Pandiani and even Juanfran from January window. Really hope Nino does prove a good signing as Osasuna always in need of goals.
Have to agree about the unfairness of living within your means while others sign players without money. Look at the current mess in Zaragoza. I am concerned about the lack of Navarran players in this year’s squad. The local sense of identity has often helped the team fight their way out of tight corners and I wonder if a group of veteran journeyman players will be able to produce the same.