Cervera's team has limited resources, but has been strategic in its efforts to stay in La Liga.
“Invisible training” is how Antonio Ballesteros Hens puts it.
The Lloyds pharmacist turned sports nutritionist has worked at Spanish soccer club Cádiz for five years, and while his role may seem peripheral, he’s actually played a major part in its fortunes.
Cádiz is playing top-flight soccer for the first time in 15 seasons and is well placed to avoid relegation after many expected it to struggle in the drop zone.
Dominating games has not always been possible for Álvaro Cervera’s side, but competing well has. Efforts behind the scenes have made this a reality, in areas such as nutrition, fitness and organization.
Statistically speaking, the Andalusians have been among the least impressive La Liga competitors this campaign and trail every team in ball retention and passing figures.
But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Seemingly in control of games, many opponents have been unable to find a way past Cádiz.
Even Barcelona and Real Madrid have floundered. Against the Catalans, Cádiz prospered at home and recently snatched an unlikely draw at the Camp Nou despite having just 18% possession. In the capital, it was three points richer at the final whistle.
Some may call it smart, others unimaginative. But the facts remain. With less than half of the season to play, the club is in contention to continue its La Liga adventure.
Cádiz has benefitted from players such as Negredo in the team.
“We know that a sportsperson’s performance comes from good training, good rest and, above all, nutrition. It’s super important even though you can’t always see it,” adds Ballesteros Hens, who also runs a health clinic called Nutriendo T.
“The players are very professional and involved in the project.”
What drives Cádiz forward is not just legwork, though. It’s about playing to its strengths. The team is not equipped to dictate every match so has instead become used to absorbing long spells of pressure and striking at the right time.
Veteran striker Álvaro Negredo has helped with the latter. The 35-year-old is its top scorer with six goals and his experience in elite soccer means he is one of its most important assets.
Yet, the Spaniard forms only part of a disciplined machine, one in which every player understands his role. Cádiz often lack finesse but is effective with limited resources and trail only Levante, Huesca and Villarreal in spending power after La Liga revealed its €41 million ($50 million) budget last November.
Cádiz has ambitions beyond this year too. With the margins between success and disappointment so fine, it is hoping to foster long-term prosperity by growing as an institution.
For now, dedication is paying off. In a press conference following the fixture in Barcelona, Cervera summed up the approach.
“I know it’s difficult to watch soccer like this, but the only way to save ourselves is by playing this way.
“There is a big difference between us and other teams. If we did things another way, we would have no chance of taking points and winning.”
