Gaizka Garitano was appointed as head coach of Athletic Club on December 4, taking charge of the club following a rough patch under Eduardo Berizzo, during which Los Leones only managed one win in their first 14 league games. Since Garitano’s appointment the club have picked up three wins and drawn three times, which has seen the club soar out of the LaLiga Santander drop zone.
Before Garitano’s arrival: 11/42 points, 14 GS – 23 GC, (-9 GD)
Since Garitano’s arrival: 12/18 points, 7 GS – 3 GC (+4 GD)
This reborn Athletic Club side play in a style that's more familiar to its fanbase, setting out in a 1-4-4-2 formation with the aim of controlling spaces and putting less emphasis on possession. Through this gameplan the team have become more compact and aggressive at the back, and when attacking they do so in a quick and direct manner, whipping in balls from the flanks and hitting teams on the counter attack.
Some of the players who have benefited most from Garitano’s arrival are Yeray Alvarez, Ander Capa and Iñigo Cordoba. These three were on the fringes under the previous management but now see a great deal of action under Garitano. Dani Garcia, who was a key player for SD Eibar when Garitano was in charge of the club, has improved a great deal thanks to the faith shown in him by his coach.
Yet if you had to single out one player whose fortunes have transformed the most from the change in coach it would have to be Iñaki Williams. The 24-year-old forward’s attributes are well suited to Garitano’s tactics, and he offers a constant threat to opponents with his pace in behind on the counter, such as when Yuri and Iñigo Martinez launch long balls from deep.
There are scenarios which require Athletic to break down tight defences and play at a slower pace, for which Garitano has a plan B. In these circumstances, the team’s full-backs try to supply Aritz Aduriz and Raul Garcia crosses from deeper on the flanks. In addition, Iker Muniain and new recruit Ibai Gomez are crucial for creating space between lines and breaking through stubborn defences.
Source: laligaes.es