Alaves manager's future up in the air as regional rivals could move for Luis Garcia Plaza

Alaves manager Luis Garcia Plaza was expected to fight relegation to the bottom this season, but it has been a sensational campaign for El Glorioso, securing safety with five matchdays to spare. However, his future is uncertain.

The experienced Madrid native is out of contract at the end of the season, and has a potential alternative in La Liga, with Osasuna is looking for a replacement for Jagoba Arrasate. Afterwards Alaves secured a last gasp point against Girona, Garcia Plaza remained coy.

“Everything will take its course and when there is something, it will be known. My personal situation is what it is and now what we have to focus on is the Madrid game. But it is true that it is moving that the fans ask you to continue. I appreciate it, really.”

Relief report that Garcia Plaza will prioritize Alaves, and sit down with them first to hear their offer. However, he sees Osasuna as a step forward, although Rojillo's sporting director Braulio Vazquez has not spoken to him, and will not until his future at Alaves is resolved. He is well placed in the race to El Sadar though.

There are factors that he also wanted to deal with. He feels he has earned a longer deal, despite Alaves' policy of one-year renewals. I also feel that Alaves have overachieved this season, and they should strengthen the squad, something made worse by the impending departures of loanees Samu Omorodion, Andoni Gorosabel and Rafa Marin.

Of course, the stats will back up Garcia Plaza's assessment – Alaves has one of the two lowest salary caps in La Liga, and by some distance. Omorodion and Marin were also excellent for Los Babazorros, although this was their first campaign in the Liga teams.