Season in review: Almeria reminds us all that money is not everything as the project explodes in the face
Position: 19 – 21 points
Class: F
Record: 3-12-23
Goals scored: 43
Goals conceded: 75
Top Scorer: Sergio Arribas – 9
Top Assist: Sergio Arribas, Lucas Robertone, Largie Ramazani – 5
Story of the season
It started badly, continued to be bad, was bad for more, and the football gods granted them three wins in the end. Almeria were rarely beaten by teams, and they had more than enough quality to stay, but could not get out of their way.
After seven games, Vicente Moreno was dismissed, and although he did not win, that raised the alarm. So it would be several weeks before Gaizka Garitano came in and couldn't manage a win in 21 games. Pepe Mel averaged over a point per game, but it was too late at that point.
A bit of a mess from start to finish, one of the most baffling seasons since day one, where everything went wrong, and it was made worse by a bad decision. You would say Ruby it was smart to come out at the right time last summer, but it's coming back this summer.
Explanation of the degree
Almeria spent a remarkable 52 million euros last summer, more than any other side apart from Real Madrid, and that should push them into the top half. Their signings, including Edgar Gonzalez, Dion Lopy, Cesar Montes, Sergio Arribas and Luis Maximiano, were good. There was no reason to implode as they did, both during the games and off the field.
The trembling hand at the helm from above was a sign that there was not much unity of thought from the beginning, and consequently, they threatened one of the worst seasons in history until the entry of Pepe Mel.
Outstanding moment: A 3-2 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu or 2-2 with Atlético. You might wonder about one of their wins, but they showed how good they could be in those games, and it gave the fans hope for a historic night.
Key player: Sergio Arrives – One of the few who survived a season of nightmares. Arribas showed quality in his first season in La Liga.
Seasonal surprise: Were there any good ones? Dion Lopy arrived with a reputation, but not one in Spain, and the fact that Almeria seem to be demanding two or three times what they signed him for shows that he has done some impressive things in midfield.
Glass half full
Almeria has financial support, and many assets that would have retained their value. They can clearly identify talent, even if they struggle to put it together at times. Rubi is without a doubt the best appointment they could have hoped for, and they are likely to be in the mix next season in Segunda.
Glass half empty
Not to be too existential, but what's the point? The Almeria hierarchy needs to learn from their mistakes, and their hopes of getting anywhere and staying here (La Liga), or aspiring to something bigger one day, are non-existent. It's not a disaster, just a shame and frustrating for the fans, because it's been this kind of management from the top for a long time.
