While Rafael Benitez had certainly lost the press and support of Balaidos by the time he left Celtic Vigo, the reaction to Claudio Giraldez. his replacement, seems to be more than just the release that comes with a change of voice. U bringing back his charm as being promoted from Celta's B team continues to be all sunshine and flowers.
According to Relief, Giraldez could be key in their hopes of keeping three of their most promising youngsters. During Benitez's final victory over Almeria, he fielded a starting XI without academy products for the first time in 15 years.
Giraldez has since restored Iago Aspas to the line-up, while Hugo Alvarez and Carlos Dominguez have also played a crucial role. Hugo Sotelo has also been heavily involved, making his first impact on the Celta team this season.
Giraldez got to know Alvarez, Sotelo and Dominguez well, and Celta is now optimistic about the contract talks with the former pair and Fer Lopez in the B team, who are happy to see Giraldez as coach and give chances to the products of the academy.
Celta has one of the most productive academies in Spain, with the likes of Aspas, Joselu Mato and Brais Mendez all coming from Afouteza. Sotelo is regarded as one of the best players of his generation, having played for Spain's minor teams, and attracted the attention of Barcelona and Real Madrid last summer.
