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With internationals between, we had managed to got our feet on ground after the Barcelona game. We were going to meet Mallorca at Camp d'Esports. Few injuries were obviously disturbing me - both of my first choice goalkeepers were out with minor injuries so our Swedish son Hjalmarsson had to step in. Also out was striker Jony, defensive midfielder Faye & Jesus Rojas from central defence also missing. All of the missing players were first teamers.
Primera Division, Week 11 Lleida 6:2 Mallorca (Hugo Gimenez 4, John Jairo Mosquera, Marcos Castro)
Hjalmarsson conceeded two stupid goal and proved our 3rd goalkeeper isn't really talented, but luckily we scored three times more goals than Mallorca as Gimenez was really in great shape and so was the rest of the team. Where we left off againist Barce continued againist Mallorca no doubt. And that even with many first teamers injuried.
26th of November 2017
The next weekend we had a different opponent - Celta Vigo was fighting for relegation. So it was a another must win for us, espescially in home soil. Jony was still out, but others all returned to the first team squad. Celta looked a decent side in my eyes, but they weren't on level with us probably.
Primera Division, Week 12 Lleida 0:0 Celta
The match was ridicilous. Celta's goalkeeper got rated 9 as he made unhuman like saves on our strikers and midfielders as Mosquera, Castro & Carlos Marcos all got very very close to the goal on different occasions. We made loads of shots and most of them were on goal and it was really disappoitning to see us lose points like that, but relegation zone seems to fall more and more behind, even with draws.
3rd of December 2017
Jony was still out as we prepared to give a fight in Riazor to Deportivo. After a clumsy form in first few games the white & blue outfit (just like us) has started to collect form and they were strongly challenging for titles unlike many of the former giants like Barcelona & Real Madrid.
I was hoping to show a good display as a result was very hard to get for me againist such good opponents.
Primera Division, Week 13 Deportivo 3:0 Lleida
I was occasionally dominating, but that really was occasionally. Deportivo was totally deserved winner, eventhough the goals were rather bizarre with yet another bad back-pass and goalkeeper failing to get it, but one non-bizarre goal at the end of the first half really bringed our confidence down.
Deportivo certainly backed up their title bid with that display.
6th of December 2017
Next up in calendar was an unplayed tie againist Real Sociedad. Sociedad was just behind us and that game could've got them past us obviously. It was played away for our side. Jony was obviously still out.
Primera Division, Week 14 Real Sociedad 1:1 Lleida (John Jairo Mosquera)
Things went really bad that evening. We were playing very bad. Only the amazing tackles from Gonzalez Garcia prevented us from losing as he was the well-deserved MoM. Real Sociedad also got awarded a penalty that match which they though failed to convert and just three minues after that in the 67th minute Mosquera scored yet another goal to bring us a precious point.
10th of December 2017
Our 15th league game was certainly a must-win with likely relegated Sporting Gijon. They were sitting 19th in the table and were in serious troubles with getting points or even scoring. So even without Jony, who's finishing we missed over past three matches this had to be a walk in park.
We did what we had to do and finally were victorious after three games without a win. Mosquera seems to enjoying himself so far in the season. I was also glad to see Santos score his second goal for us despite being a bencher most of the time.
17th of December 2017
It was a day after my birthday when we met Athletic Bilbao away. They were right ahead of us and we needed to win or atleast draw this match to keep the mood good ahead of the Betis game. Jony was still out, but also Marcos Castro sat out Carlos Marcos replaced him in attack.
Primera Division, Week 16 Athletic 1:7 Lleida (Jesus Rojas 2, Carlos Marcos 2, John Jairo Mosquera, Hugo Gimenez, Alberto Gonzalez)
It was obviously yet another one of the memorable games of Lleida. We managed to shoot in 7 of our 12 shots. Jesus Rojas & Gonzalez scored their first goals for Lleida. Rojas twice had the chance to shoot the penalties and both times he didn't miss. Great display and Athletic was left shattered. In table our position is rising nicely and we're strongly in Top 10 at the moment.
20th of December 2017
The match againist Betis was another important one as they were also very close to us in the table with a game in hand, so we had to win in case we wanted to prevent them going past us. Though the Athletic match had some terrible side-effects. Alberto Gonzalez, Hugo Gimenez, Alfonso Jimenez all got injuried & Jesus Rojas reached cards limit, so I was in huge worries for the match againist visitors.
We left it late to decide our win againist Betis, but we deservedly did it. The match was scoreless until very late minutes and it was young Karim Elbai who scored his first Lleida goal in the 85th minute to open the scoring. Sergio Martinez then secured us the win and the injury time goal of Betis didn't change anything but goaldifference.
In table things are looking amaizng and Lleida's season is exceeding all excpectations.
08-21-2006, 09:28 PM
The Plane Ticket To Western-Europe 2017 - Stories Never Told (Back In Cuba) Post #22
I was raring to go after the christmas and new year break. Our first stop was to meet Sevilla in the cup 5th round first leg in front of nicely packed Camp d'Esports. I had most of the players back available. Except from Hugo Gimenez, our AMC. Obviously few benchers also were "enjoying" injuries.
Copa del Rey, 5th Round, Leg 1 Lleida 2:3 Sevilla (John Jairo Mosquera 2)
Sevilla proved to be a tough not to crack once again and we didn't have much chances beside from the goal situations. Sevilla is looking very very strong this season and they have topped the league for many rounds. This loss gave us a very little chance to do anything in the replay considering the way we played.
7th of January 2018
Stadium was almost packed up for a much-waited Valencia game. We were yet to prove ourselves againist the title hunters and we were hoping to break this curse in Camp d'Esports this time. The squad was basically the same as the Sevilla one with Hugo Gimenez remaining on sidelines.
Primera Division, Week 18 Lleida 0:1 Valencia
I couldn't be a match to leg-breaking Mestalla outfit. It was ugly match. Four of my lads ended up in the physio room after the game. Valencia deserved their win thanks to contant pressure and Fernando Genro's beatiful shot. But I was disgusted by their playing style, so I told the players to do the same to Valencia players in the second half. I think it worked up to some level.
10th of January 2018
Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, midfielder Johann Igni Runarsson & striker John Jairo Mosquera ended up with long injuries thanks to the wonderful playing style of Valencia so my hopes of making back the home loss againist Sevilla in the cup was very small as it didn't combine really well with the injury of Gimenez also as Runarsson was his back-up.
Copa del Rey, 5th Round, Leg 2 Sevilla 0:2 Lleida (Jony, Sergio Martinez)
Our proved me wrong. Our bench gave an amazing display againist bit rotated squad of the league leaders. We were better side mostly and the win game deservedly. The display was, as said very impressive and we totally schooled the Sevilla boys. Rafa Benitez agreed with me by calling his players amateurs in the dressing room. I guess everyone is an amateur compared to us.
14th of January 2018
Our next stop was Madrid. Atletico Madrid who were also fighting for the big medals were set to be a hard challenge for us, but I had few tricks to use.
Hours before the game. I signed a new goalkeeper. Antonio Fernandez Garcia was set to take the no. 1 gloves hours after being presented. 25 year old ex U21 international of Spain joined us from Modena for 2,5 million pounds. He was previously hunted by Serie A leaders Milan who later backed up from the race and left us a free way to sign Garcia.
Eventhough the injuries of Enyeama (now though 2nd goalie), Gimenez, Runarsson, Mosquera were still troubling us and as addition to this list - promising strikers Daniel Kuffour and Karim Elbai both got injuried in training after the Sevilla game.
Primera Division, Week 19 Atletico Madrid 2:3 Lleida (Jony 2, Jesus Rojas)
It was a tough match for us, but in the end we came out being very pleased. We had much less chances that Atletico, but we used them more wisely. Or I should not take praise away from Garcia who made a brilliant debut display having to save 14 of the 16 Atletico shots that were on goal. The injuries were making our midfield look weaker and as addition, attacking midfielder Sergio Martinez injuried himself in the 20th minute so Carlos Marcos, a foward, had to play in the AMC position for the match.
Rojas's first goal was a penalty and Jony's first a simple tap-in, but Jony's second goal was an beatiful smooth half lob slightly over the goalkeepers head to the backpost from 15 meters after a mess coming from a corner-kick.
My cup continued againist the leg-breakers of Mestalla. I was more and more crusthed by the injuries every game and things were starting to get ridicilous as mentioned before, in my latest game Sergio Martinez managed to get injuried.
Copa del Rey, Quaterfinals, Leg 1 Valencia 1:3 Lleida (Alfonso Jimenez, Marcos Castro, Jony)
We played another amazing cup-game as we seem to be on a hot streak in cup. We I think deserved to win the game thanks to world class defensive performance and classy finishing. The possession and shots wise it was even game, but I had a bit more chances and a bit more goals. That mattered in the end and I can once again feel proud of the boys as they managed to be victorious againist the 3rd side of the league.
20th of January 2018
We were once again warming up for a derby match. With yet another causes with injuries. Alberto Gonzalez, our first chocie right-winger followed Hugo Gimenez, John Jairo Mosquera, Daniel Kuffour, Karim Elbai, Johann Igni Runarsson, Vincent Eyeama, Sergio Martinez in our "short" list of injuries which includes 4 first teamers and 2 first choice back-ups.
It was certainly not coming to be a great derby as I was hoping for with all the injuries, but despite that Camp d'Esports was almost packed up for the second time in this month. Hopefully our defence, which was the only line not to be touched by injuries - would save our a*ses once again.
Primera Division, Week 20 Lleida 2:2 Espanyol (Jony, Marcos Castro)
We gave away a brilliant 2:0 lead as Espanyol was totall owned otherwise. We yet again gave the pressure away for the opponent for few minute period and they bited us back hard and scored twice in 3 minutes. We managed to recover, but due to the lack of quality we had in bench, we couldn't do enough to win the back.
But now more "good" news. I had to suffer a huge hit. Bigger than anything else so far. My defenders Alejandro Acosta & Julian Gonzalez Garcia made the number of our injuried players to 10. They have been vital part this season and I don't know how are we supposed to do without them.
21st of January 2018
When going to the club offices in Sunday morning. There was a letter for me. I opened it up, on the envelope it said it was from Spanish FA.
I was suprised, but maybe not. It notified us from a weird substance found from our players bodies during the doping tests after the game. They said this substance was nothing that is worth a ban, but they said it is a substance that increases the chances of players getting injuried by a big percent.
This substance was first found in around 2014 in French league as it was used to injury opponent players in a quest to be saved from relegation. It worked, but it all came out half a year later. After that the whole thing had faded away.
This is a resolving substance that is put into people's drinks. They said that in case we'd like to open a investigation about that we were free to go.
So that was the reason... I immediately grabbed the phone.
Me: "Patricio!"
Patricio: "Hey man..."
Me: "Come here. QUICK!"
Patricio: "What's the problem, man?"
Me: "Just come here quickly."
Patricio: "Okay man."
Patricio is a neighbour of mine. He isn't a such a clean guy eventhough everyone think he is. He has some nice connections. He also is a lawyer of our team since I came, I trust him.
Patricio arrived within half hour.
Me: "You here! Have a seat..."
Patricio: "Hey, man, what's the problem... You sounded very upset on phone."
Me: "Oh yes! I am upset..."
Patricio: "What's the prolem?"
Me: "The amount of injuries we have... it's not a coincidence."
Patricio: "What!?"
Me: "Check out this letter..."
Patricio read the letter and he was amazed...
Patricio: "So... what will we do?"
Me: "We'll do the things rough way..."
Patricio: "Diaz?"
Me: "Oh, yes... we call the Diaz."
Patricio: "And what we will do?"
Me: "I need to find out who is behind this and who is resposible for putting the pills into the drinks..."
Patricio: "I call Diaz..."
Me: "Let the Diaz's boys find the guy who is behind this... Call me if you've found him."
Patricio: "We will... they'll get right on it."
Once again... things are going to get dirty.
08-22-2006, 10:50 AM
The Plane Ticket To Western-Europe 2017 - Stories Never Told (Back In Cuba) Post #24
I was sitting in my home and watching the tonights games of La Liga on TV. Until I recieved another phone-call.
Patricio: "We found him."
Me: "Who is he?"
Patricio: "Some guy named Manuel... We catched him with tomorrow's training water as he was putting in some weird stuff into them."
Me: "Okay.... (I went outside as I didn't want Maria to hear this) Videotaped?"
Patricio: "Yep... We hunted him with a camera as he was one of the possible subjects."
Me: "Clever... Where are you now?"
Patricio: "Diaz's basement."
Me: "Fine, I'll be there."
I told to Maria that I have to go away from home due to the Lleida job as there were apparently some things needing to be solved.
Took my fancy Mercedes and went towards the Diaz house who is sort of an local mafia or whatever. Eventhough he is also uncovered, police has tried to catch him few times, but unsuccesfully as he is a clever guy. Thank god I'm not as famous that some papers come following me. I drove into the gates and called Diaz to let me in.
Gates opened and I drove in. After I stepped out of the car a big Slavic guy asked me to come in as he stepped out of the house door. He opened a little door that went to the basement. It was rather deep & thanks to the winter which isn't that cold in Spain though, not the warmest place either.
I saw the guy, he was sitting on the couch with his hands tied in some little room which was bit warmer so I could take off my jacket. I looked at him, the little guy was afraid.
Me: "So, who asked you to do this, Manuel? If that's your name?"
Manuel: "Ummm...."
Me: "Who asked you to do this!? DO I HAVE TO REPEAT AGAIN!"
Manuel: "Rrrrr...."
Me: "R what?"
Manuel: "Madrrrri-i-d..."
Me: "Real Madrid?"
He nogged.
Me: "How much?"
Manuel: "10 000 per player... in cash."
Me: "And on what purpose?"
Manuel: "They are afraid of you... they think you may push them out of Europe for next season."
Me: "And you, sh*thole, accepted!"
Manuel: "I'm sorry..."
Me: "Go kiss a donkey as*. Give him few bruises guys... Then we'll discuss more."
So the Diaz guys beated him up a bit and probably broke a nose there.
Me: "Now... Let's talk how you can make up for it.... You'll get sacked from our caterer for sure. But in case you don't want to book a room in a hospital. You need to get Madrid caught."
Patricio: "Can't we do it some legal way..."
Me: "Later, Patricio... later. Or maybe now already... Let's call this the collecting of evidence."
Patricio: "Fine."
Manuel: "You-u want me to-o go-o-o underco-o-ver?"
Me: "Yes... and could you stop the ****ing mumbling. Talk clearly. When is your next meeting?"
Manuel: "He told me that he wants to meet me tomorrow at 7 PM."
Me: "And is that who anyone special?"
Manuel: "Oh yes he is."
Me: "Okay then.... now... do you have a cell-phone?"
Manuel: "Yes I do... here...."
Me: "Fine... now this is the latest word of technics. It has no wires, so we tape that into your mobile phone. Even when they try searching you and even your phone they won't find it. I got it secretly from CIA connections. You can't look suspicious with your mumbling or anything. You speak normal like you always do. And act like normally also. We won't be anywhere around watching you. You just have to let us know when you are going and we turn that thing on and record what it says.... Now boys, make sure he'll get rid of that nasty bruise he has under his eye."
08-22-2006, 04:49 PM
The Plane Ticket To Western-Europe 2017 - Stories Never Told (Back In Cuba) Post #25
I was walking around the local park or so when my phone rang. A voice shouted to me, "We got it!"
I started running back towards my house... Grabbed the keys of my Mercedes and jumped off. I needed this to be done. I needed those who deserved to be punished to get punished as quickly as possible.
I drove into the Lleida training ground where he was staying as the Diaz boys had left already.
Patricio welcomed me in and then put the tape playing...
First thing that catched my eye, oh yes, it was Raul Gonzalez, Real's new director & legend. I was suprised how could such person would be willing to join the games of corruption. But I guess he discovered that otherwise he cannot win.
I listened to the full tape. Manuel was given new part of the pills. Patricio was going to meet over with Manuel later on to take the pills. It was time to start collecting evidences againist Real.
Me: "Collect the evidences..."
Patricio: "How?"
Me: "I don't know... just get some evidences. Phone-calls and so on... Until we've got enough of them. Then we'll sue their ass."
Patricio: "Okay. I'll do it."
I went away then. Though not back home, but before that I needed to take a stop in Miquel's house. It was time to tell him about it.
He was totally shocked and offered Patricio some help, but Patricio said he doesen't need that. He already called some of his friends from Barcelona.
Miquel was totally ****ed off as he had a nice relationship with Real's president. I told him not to call or anything. Otherwise it'd make things too dangerous.
Nonetheless, I was 100% back in the game of corruptions. It was becoming a war once again. With 10 years of experience in the bussiness, you learn a lot. You learn that you can't be a weak guy if you want to succeed. So we cannot suck Real Madrid's dick, we needed to fight back. Otherwise they'll do it again.
But we couldn't fight back loud, we needed to be clever. Sooner or later we had to bring the media into it to decrease the reputation of the Real. But it was not yet the time.
08-23-2006, 11:52 AM
The Plane Ticket To Western-Europe 2017 - Stories Never Told (Back In Cuba) Post #26
Ragged with injuries, which reason's I've already found out, I went to hold onto my first leg lead againist Valencia in the cup quarterfinals. Naming the whole list of first XI guys who were out - Alberto Gonzalez, Alejandro Acosta, Julian Gonzalez Garcia, Sergio Martinez, John Jairo Mosquera & Hugo Gimenez. And many of their replacements or other 2nd choice players also spent their game on sidelines.
I was though rather positive about the upcoming game as our bench had shown they were capable of playing at good level.
Copa del Rey, Quarterfinal, Leg 2 Lleida 1:2 Valencia (Carlos Marcos)
Lleida through 4:3 on aggregate
We deserved to go through. Even with tons of injuries we managed to give a great figh to Valencia and probably deserved even a draw. Eventhough we still go through. And we would've got through even when substituion striker Carlos Marcos would've not scored in the 82nd minute, eventhough it made us feel much safer.
Over the two legs I saw what team is made off as even ragged with injuries we still look very close to the first choice squad in terms of quality.
In next round we'll meet Atletico Madrid.
28th of January 2018
Next on our way was a league match vs. Alaves who were sitting in the second half of the table. And they hadn't won in 8 consecutive games and I certainly didn't want to end that series. No players were yet returning and thanks to the susbtance still having final effects, current first choice left winger Pereira followed other lads in the physio room, which is soon going to lack of air if it continues like that.
Primera Divion, Week 21 Alaves 0:2 Lleida (Alfonso Jimenez, Jony)
It seemed to be that we're not going to get a win out of this match as Alaves was superior to our "Second Eleven", but then Jony rescued us with an easy tap in from few meters and our new goalkeeper Antonio Fernandez Garcia showed off his skills minutes later by saving a penalty shot, which was soon followed by win-clinching Jimenez goal which was also a simple tap ins. In table we keep on rising with every week so far and I won't certainly mind this continuing.
31st of January 2018
Our road towards Europe and Copa del Rey victory continued with semi-finals. Camp d'Esports was half-packed to see our tie againist Atletico Madrid. The lads finally started returning in the shape of Alberto Gonzalez, Karim Elbai & Daniel Kuffour. Though none of them were starting and the last two barely had tasted the first team football before anyway.
Copa del Rey, Semi-Final, Leg 1 Lleida 0:2 Atletico Madrid
Our final ticket hopes got a punch that is probably too much to handle. We could've scored some ourselves, but it was our own fault that we didn't use our chances. Atletico in my eyes won deservedly, but 0:2 should've not been the result. 0:1 would've been the most fair result.
In my eyes and considering our away form, we could've overcome a one goal loss, but two goals was a nut too much to crack.
4th of February 2018
Our next league stop in the calendar was Osasuna who had rather decent side. Though considering our displays, a win was a must from this game. Espescially looking back to our first part of the season tie where we deservedly owned them in their away court.
Eventhough more bad injury news arrived. My right-back Maxime Josse got another injury which leaves him out for around one month and left us with only one first choice defender. Eventhough soon players will start returning.
Primera Division, Week 23 Lleida 1:0 Osasuna (Jony)
Jony has turned out to be an very important player for us over the past period of tough times. He has scored many vital and gameturning goals just like this one. We deserved to win this one tough and so we did. Even with Jesus Rojas getting sent off (and later getting banned for 2 extra matches) we dominated the outcome in Camp d'Esports. And in league we've rised so far up as 5th place.
7th of February 2018
We tried to make up for the first leg loss in Vincent Calderon stadium. It was going to be a tough game for us, but we got some engouraging news by Julian Gonzalez Garcia, one of our star defenders, returing to the line-up as the injury list was starting to decrease finally as we had managed to get rid of the "little" problem we had.
Copa del Rey, Semi-Final, Leg 2 Atletico Madrid 1:2 Lleida (Jesus Rojas, Jony)
This time a 2:1 win wasn't enough. We deserved to win it 2:0 atleast. Our defence bringed Atletico totally out of the match with Garcia returning. Jony is still in hot form, but without Mosquera, he lacks a partner who can also add to the goal tally. Though Mosquera is soon to be back luckily.
After the match I obviously wished Atletico Madrid manager good luck as they were definately going to need it againist Real... I guess I could've also told "Check your drinks, guys", but that would've been too risky.
8th of February 2018
I was right about to take a shower after our last training of Thursday, but before I managed to take off all clothes my mobile rang. I looked, it was Patricio. I wonder what he wanted.
Me: "Hi Patricio."
Patricio: "Hey. Sack all your physios!"
Me: "What for? They're part of the scheme?"
Patricio: "Yes they are. I managed to sniff this thing out minutes ago as I managed to track a phone-call from Raul to Mark Evans. They talked about the pills etc."
Me: "Did Manuel know anything about that?"
Patricio: "He told me at the start, that the physios may be in it. I wasn't sure so I went background checking."
Me: "Okay... But don't you think it'd grab Real's attention?"
Patricio: "Yes it would, but you have to do it. Tell them that "Due to the amount of injuries you are starting to doubt their abilities" blabla."
Me: "Can be done, will be done. I need to get some new one's first."
Patricio: "Okay... bye. Will see you tomorrow at the training ground."
Me: "Yes. Bye!"
I took the shower and during that I was thinking off who to hire. Before I talked to the physios. I needed to call Steve Devine. He is a friend of mine from the Willem II days. He is regarded as one of the best physios in the world of football. I was sure he accepted and he did. Tomorrow I tell club's director to handle the paper work and also find someone second to help Steve. Preferably Spanish.
The physios looked shocked after I told them to buzz off. Now I had to hope that Real thinks that we're not onto them.
11th of February 2018
Steve Devine had arrived to Lleida on Friday, but he didn't have that much to do except from talking what he wants to see and how are his methods. We were mostly preparing for our league game againist Eijdo away who were sitting deep in the relegation with no way out. No guys had returned from the injuries yet, eventhough few were training at full for past days. Instead Alberto Gonzalez got added to the list thanks to a knock he got againist Atletico.
Primera Division, Week 24 Eijdo 2:3 Lleida (Karim Elbai, Jony, Alfonso Jimenez)
I was suprised when Eijdo scored 1:0 at the 9th minute, but we immediately got our feet back on and bringed home the well deserved victory as the shots made statistics agreed with us. Eventhough due to weird reasons we couldn't hold the possession. Maybe it was Eijdo's five man midfield, but we've managed to hold possession againist those formations before. But in the end we won once again and in league we're living a dream as we're on the last Champions League spot currently.
08-23-2006, 03:27 PM
The Plane Ticket To Western-Europe 2017 - Stories Never Told (Back In Cuba) Post #27
We next tried to rob off the points from Malaga who were also fighting with relegation just like our previous opponent Eijdo. The squad was starting to be forming back together, but lots of links were still missing. But nonetheless we were supposed to win this game if we wanted to keep in the race of high positions.
Primera Division, Week 25 Malaga 0:2 Lleida (Karim Elbai, Alfonso Jimenez)
We played a nice match, eventhough it was a win thaks to a good defensive work mostly as it was an even game when it came to possession. But unlike Malaga's defence, our backline didn't leak so we managed to get the better chances and also use them.
25th of February 2018
Total of 11 players were unavailable for the match againist Villarreal as we had loads of short injuries and colds moving around during the past week. But I was still hoping to fight back. I was worried about the defence where I had to play 18 year old Alberto Blanco, but in positive news John Jairo Mosquera & Alejandro Acoste returned.
We continued our amazing run of 8 games unbeatten with a brilliant victory. We showed Villarreal who is the boss and it was total ownage. I was happy for Grillo who scored two goals and was man of the match from a left winger position. That game made me offer him a new contract with the likes of Palermo etc luring his signature. I'm strongly in the hunt of CL as I'm sitting in the 4th place on level with the 3rd place Deportivo.
5th of March 2018
Next up was welcoming of Real Sociedad at home. The week had been a very positive one. Our injury guys were starting to return in masses eventhough I only started three of them. Both strikers and a defender Jesus Rojas who returned from a 3-match ban for unsportsman like behaviour. Though the returned guys did conquer the bench.
Primera Division, Week 27 Lleida 2:3 Real Sociedad (John Jairo Mosquera, Jesus Rojas)
A match that was supposed to be a big one for us with all the players getting back turned out to be a disaster. Our defence was playing like headless chicken. They made wrong passes, missed interceptions, lost duels, let themselves to get tackled. And the bad display of goalkeeper Antonio Fernandez Garcia didn't help a single bit. I was very disappointed.
11th of March 2018
After last Sundays disaster it was a must to win in Valencia againist local club Levante. I obviously made loads of changes in the first team squad due to the Real Sociedad display and hoped it'll make our displays look better. More players returned, but due to them technical stuff around the football, I managed to pick a wrong right-back for the game.
Primera Division, Week 28 Levante 1:1 Lleida (Marcos Castro)
I was shocked. Our first team return made the team look like a joke. Something was seriously up with the defence as it was once again leaking like a bucket shot 10 times into the bottom. The problems were becoming huge and in Champions League fight this was not a good sign ahead of many tough matches againist teams fighting with relegation.
21st of March 2018
Me: "It's time, Pat."
Patricio: "It is?"
Me: "Oh yes... they're next. Contact the media."
Patricio: "I shall do that. Bye."
Me: "Bye."
08-25-2006, 10:00 PM
The Plane Ticket To Western-Europe 2017 - Stories Never Told (Back In Cuba) Post #28
The media was amazed before the Real Madrid game. Patricio had pulled few strings and the case was wide open. The media was criticising Real, the phone-calls and recordings were played at the television and radio stations. Real was desperately trying to convince that their guilty, while my only words about it were, "It's not my business. I leave it to our lawyers and court."
The FA was disappointed that we used such measures to find it out, but they made no sanctions. The court case was due to the requests pushed at the end of the season as we wanted to finish the season without having to go through the courts and stuff.
Anyway, we were also playing Real Madrid as we released it to media before to bring down the confidence of Real players. Injuries weren't a big worry for us, eventhough Hugo Gimenez, Maxime Josse & Jony could've made our life easier.
Primera Division, Week 28 Lleida 1:1 Real Madrid (John Jairo Mosquera)
We were the better side in my eyes. Stats agree with me as we had same amount of possession but much more shots. But in the end the result is okay considering that we're having a bad path in form. There were signs of improvement with this game as the first teamers seem to recover from the injuries and their playing level is improving.
22nd of March 2018
Our next stop was in Sevilla. We met the league leaders away from home, but seeing that we kicked out them in 2-legged cup tie with an away win I believed we weren't big outsiders in this match. Josse was back in our line-up and was starting at RB, but Jony & Gimenez will continue to be out for long time.
Primera Division, Week 29 Sevilla 1:3 Lleida (Marcos Castro 2, John Jairo Mosquera)
It was a shocking result. Statswise it was very equal match, but Sevilla had much better scoring chances, but I guess we were lucky to have Antonio Fernandez Garcia in our net. Our finishing was brilliant and it obviously was the main reason behind the win as both of our strikers scored. Now we are strongly in the contest for the Europe place and maybe even title as Sevilla's lead is decreasing.
25th of March 2018
It was derby time. Barcelona game to visit us in Camp d'Esports as our stadium was totally full with only very few vacant seats here and there. The memories of the legendary Camp Nou tie were still fresh in our minds, but I believed this achiement was hard to do twice, but a win was certainly a possibilty seeing that we can handle them with ease.
Primera Division, Week 30 Lleida 2:1 Barcelona (Alberto Gonzalez, Alfonso Jimenez)
Again we didn't struggle to win them. Our win should've even been bigger as Barcelona only opened up their game at the final 15 minutes of the game which obviously wasn't enough. Barcelona's style seems to suit us very well and if Jony & John Jairo Mosquera would've not missed the match it would've probably been 4 goals for us, if not more.
Our form is back on track and we seem to enjoy our play as at the moment we are not only thinking about a Champions League or Europe, but also title is just 5 points away.
We met Mallorca in our next league game. It was pretty much must win match in case we want the title even when it was away. Mosquera & Jony both returned from injuries, eventhough the latest wasn't in match condition. Hugo Gimenez was the only one in the sidelines currently. Eventhoguh our center-back Jesus Rojas couldn't play this game as he isn't allowed to play againist the club who owns him.
Primera Division, Week 31 Mallorca 2:1 Lleida (Carlos Marcos)
This was a major set-back in our plans. We deserved that loss no doubt. We were lucky to even score the goal as we only managed to get few shots at Mallorca's goal while they made 4x as much on ours. Possession was als theirs, so overally it wasn't a promising match for us as the gap with the leader obviously raised too.
8th of April 2018
Our next game we definately had to win due to the Mallorca loss. We met Celta Vigo away. They were sitting at relegation zone area so we were obviously favourites for this one. Jony was on bench, but Alejandro Acosta got injuried in the previous match and will be back only for the last matches. Jony was this time already back on bench.
Primera Division, Week 32 Celta 0:3 Lleida (Alfonso Jimenez, Johann Igni Runarsson, Marcos Castro)
We gave in a great performance and won deservedly as the score shows. This put us straight back into the title race as Sevilla lost to Atletico Madrid away. Eventhough I'm bit worried that John Jairo Mosquera has had troubles with scoring lately as the injuries have taken it's price.
15th of April 2018
Deportivo was our next opponent. They had falled off the title race and pretty much lost their chances for CL spot also as they hadn't won in 6 consecutive games before our meeting. Acosta was out with injury, Jony was on bench again, Gimenez was back training, 2nd goalkeeper Brad Guzan also out with injury. I was hoping to win this game as I didn't rate Deportivo that highly, eventhough they did beat us earlier this season, but we've developed since then.
Primera Division, Week 33 Lleida 1:1 Deportivo (John Jairo Mosquera)
We were completely unlucky. Or maybe not. I don't know why our strikers seem to make every shot towards goalkeeper, not past him. If our strikers could've scored many of their possible tap-in situations we would've won 4:1. But instead it was 1:1 which probably crashed our title hopes. Deportivo scored from their only chance of the game which made it even more painful. Even Jony couldn't make any difference in the attack after coming in at half-time.
22nd of April 2018
We couldn't lose at Sporting Gijon as otherwise we would've had to defend our CL spot like dogs defend their bone. Sporting Gijon was on the verge of relegation already and it's probable that they will get relegated. Acosta, Gimenez, Guzan missed the match. So did Maxime Josse who got a short injury a bit before the game.
We left it to the last 20 minutes, but in the end we bringed home our victory thanks to substitute Castro scoring his 12th leage goal of the season. The victory was deserved, eventhough I was beginning to doubt that we can win this after the first hour. Sevilla drawed their game which reduced the gap to 4 points when going to the last 4 games of the season.
From Goal.com
Quote:
Wonder-Lleida doubts abotu the title chances
One of the biggest suprises of European club football this season, UE Lleida SAD, are in the title race with 4 games to go until the season ends eventhough the club was dubbed as relegation canditates at the start of the season.
But obviously, world of football had forgotten who was Lleidas biggest catch in the summer, manager Tanel Tursk. After Tursk totally rebuilt the team it was time to show their skills. The nature of the performances at the start of the season was promising eventhough the results could've been better, but Lleida has been no doubt the best team in the block ever since the league restarted after christmas break.
With 4 games to go, Lleida is 4 points behind the leaders Sevilla and is placed at 3rd. Between the two is Valencia who is very close to Sevilla.
But Lleida don't think it's likely that they'll win the title. "Possible? Yes. Probable? No," answered Tanel Tursk to the press questions after the victory againist Sporting Gijon.
Lleida is more concentrated on holding onto the historic Champions League place as with the 4 games to go the Spanish table Top 10 looks like that -
Lleida no doubt has a tough ride to go through with the final 4 fixtures as they meet Valencia, Betis & Atletico Madrid who are all luring their place in the final 3 games, but before that they have to beat always dangerous Athletic.
08-27-2006, 11:40 AM
The Plane Ticket To Western-Europe 2017 - Stories Never Told (Back In Cuba) Post #30
In the end of the season I had to win every one of my games so I planed not to give a warm welcome to Athletic who travelled into Camp d'Esports. Couple of injury and ban problems were affecting our squad, but I hoped this won't be a huge problem.
Primera Division, Week 35 Lleida 4:2 Athletic (Alfonso Jimenez 2, Jony, Alberto Gonzalez)
We played a great match. Athletic was rather lucky to score the two goals of their. It certainly gave us some new hope in the title race again, but things were far from deciding yet.
I was rather pleased with our attacking display, eventhough in defence without Alejandro Acosta we were rather leaky as his replacement Alessio Grillo was more of an attacking full-back.
5th of May 2018
We had a chance to go past Valencia with a victory in Mestalla. We had won there before in the cup, so I was hoping that we can do the trick once again. Alejandro Acosta could've played already in this game, but I decided not to as with a one month injury you lose lot of form and he'll be back from the next game instead.
Primera Division, Week 36 Valencia 4:0 Lleida
Shocking performance and we lost the title with this one no doubt. Our goalkeeper Antonio Fernandez Garcia totally suprised me as he conceeded 3 long range shots and one saveable header from Fernando Genro. I was very disappointed. Valencia won it fairly, but whining doesen't help anymore. We gave away our last chance for the title with an ugly display. We barely created anything and it obviously gave me quite nice ideas what to improve next season.
8th of May 2018
But we still had to fight for our Champions League place. With 2 more games to go, 4 teams were fighting for 3rd qualifying round place as we and Betis were the holders of thouse currently with Mallorca and Atletico also hunting their chance. In this week's game we had a chance to ends Atletico's bid. Acosta was back, but we lost our other full-back Maxime Josse who got a red card againist Valencia and also striker Marcos Castro was injuried.
Primera Division, Week 37 Lleida 2:2 Atletico Madrid (Jony, Sergio Martinez)
We should've won this game. We dominated it, but Argentine Marcelo Olivera showed our vulnerabilty with counter-attacks. He made two amazing shots and Atletico managed to get their one point that keeps them in play still.
We in the end managed to get the point thanks to Atletico's goalkeeper's mess up save after Sergio Martinez free-kick as he let the ball through his hands.
13th of May 2018
Our Champions League fate was lieing on one game. We had to get a draw or win from Betis in an away match and we were going through. But a loss was going to be UEFA Cup as it was highly likely that Atletico Madrid were going to get past us in that case as we were sitting on 65 points and they on 63.
I had no injuries. Marcos Castro was back on bench. Also Hugo Gimenez I decided to put back on the bench after he had been training with high intensitivity for a whole month after a 4 month injury.
Primera Division, Week 38 Betis 2:0 Lleida
We gave in a classless, unpassionate display. No desire to play in Champions League was seen, but Atletico drawed to Deportivo despite playing with one extra-man so we went through. The finale to the season was pathetic, but it was enough to save our asses. Next season we hope to be in the title fight also.
In the finishing ceremony of the league season the awards were given out. We didn't get a single award, but we had some nominations.
2nd player of the year was our striker John Jairo Mosquere, while I was the second best manager behind Rafa Benitez. Also Sergio Martinez and Souleymane Faye were rated worth of a place in team of the year.
17th of May 2018
Patricio called me and told me that they dates for the trial are offically set. He has gained some new evidence, but according to his own words court won't probably give a **** about those. They've (Sport Justice Court) has also taken the view
The verdict is set to be made in the 5th of June, as there'll be some tiny stuff before it also, where I won't attend though.
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