RCD Espanyol: The Battle For Survival!

On March 1st 2016, Doug Earle took over a deflated RCD Espanyol side who sit bottom of Division 4 with 5 points and only a single win from 15 games.




Earle was met by an aging squad of players with low motivation and no one ready to step up and lead. If the Spanish side want to avoid relegation then this is not the squad to do so with. Since joining the side Earle has made 8 new signings in an attempt to bring in a wider range of players and better depth.
His first signing was 24 year old Striker Kalifa Coulibaly from KAA Gent. The forward, who stands at 6'6", cost £1.6 million and will add a new dynamic to the team who now have a true target man.
Earle was also quick to snap up Free Agent Jonny Williams. The 22 year old midfielder is unlikely to be a regular but is showing strong potential and is expected to make an impact when called upon.
Another future prospect is Emrah Bassan who joined for £2m from Antalyaspor. The winger can play on the right and left and at only 23, is expected to burst into the squad soon.
Daniel Ginczek became the most expensive player to sign for Espanyol under Earle with a £4m price tag. Having spent time at Stuttgart before moving to FC Nantes Earle knows the German can score. Like Coulibaly, the striker is tall standing at 6'4". It is expected the 24 year old will challenge Klose for his starting position.
By far the oldest and most experienced signing has been Robson Weligton. The 36 year old defender signed from Malaga for £600,000. Having made 48 appearances for the Division 4 rivals, Weligton will strengthen the loose defence who have conceded 31 goals this season.
Miiko Albornoz has also come in to help aid the poor defence. Costing £3m from Athletic Club Earle is hopeful that the 25 year old will live up to his price tag. The Chilean is also able to play up and down both flanks as well as at centre back.
Fabio Borini joined from Lazio in exchange for Javi Lopez. The Italian forward scored 8 goals in 9 starts for the Italian side and Earle hopes the 24 year old can replicate that form.
Marko Vejinovic has also join from Feyenoord. The deal saw Jose Canas and £2m go the other way but Earle feels that the physical presence of the Dutchman will strongly improve their possession game.

Despite these signings Earle still knows that to avoid relegation they will need a serious turn around. Earle stated they need to win at least 10 of their remaining 23 games to stay up, but even if that happens it isn't guaranteed safety.
Tonight they face AZ in a game that could define the rest of the season. Earle will hope his new side will be able to overcome the odds and avoid relegation into Division 5.