2016-17 La Liga Team Preview: Celta Vigo

Adrià Millán from @Celta_VAVEL told us his thoughts on Celta for the new Liga Santander season.

1) What are Celta’s expectations heading into the year?

We have a clear objective, which is to keep the level. The team must play as fine as they dI'd the last season and consolidate themselves as one of the 6/7 best teams in La Liga. Hence, the goal is to play Europa League next season. Keeping the base of the squad is a positive thing; the idea of playing is clear and it's important to have the new lads adapted to the style of team.

2) How would you summarise your team’s tactics?

The 4-2-3-1 is the habitual system of the team, where the mobility of players is most important. Marcelo Díaz is the deepest midfielder, but both Daniel Wass and “Tucu” Hernandez are able to help in the creation of plays placing between the central defenders. The Chilean is also able to appear around the rival area which is also important in offensive aspects. Celta needs to have Sisto and Orellana move about central spots the same way Iago Aspas has to appear in wings and help the midfielders. The priority is attacking and keep the possession; once we lose the ball we have to put on a lot of pressure to get it back.

3) Who are your most influential players?

Aspas is the leader. The departure of Nolito has allowed him to get the #10 jersey and the leadership of the team. In addition he is the prodigal son of Celta and will be the fourth captain this season. Cabral and Hugo are key players also who have stayed longer in the team and are capital men in the locker room.

4) How has summer transfer business gone for Celta?

Celta has signed players according to necessities, without wasting money in transfers. Pione Sisto arrives as Nolito’s natural substitution on the left wing and Facundo Roncaglia will fight for a spot in central defense or along the defensive line; he will contribute with seniority and solidity. We expect good performances from them almost immediately. Álvaro Lemos and José Naranjo are signings made with an eye to the future but they can contribute with versatility and male the squad deeper. Lemos is a wing player who can both play as wing back and wing forward. Meanwhile Naranjo is a skilled footballer who can play in almost all forward spots but seems to be more comfortable playing on the left wing or close to a #9.

5) Make one bold prediction for Celta for the coming season.

If the signings adapt well to the team, Celta will be a Europa League team again. The problem is that it is a demanding league and you have to be very consistent. It’s going to be hard, but this is a good squad that plays the style of football necessary to achieve its targets. We expect to make the grade in both Copa del Rey and Europa League and go as far as possible, but combining good performance in three competitions is complicated and the focus probably will be in La Liga. I would bet Celta will finish between sixth and eighth at the end of season and reach at least the quarter finals in Europa League and the semifinals in Copa del Rey if we aren’t drawn with one of the contenders before.