FC Andorra Coach Urges Squad to Convert Shots into Points vs Real Sociedad B

FC Andorra coach Carles Manso has called for composure amid the club's worst start to a Segunda División season, with five consecutive defeats leaving them in the relegation zone on three points from 18.

The latest 1-3 home loss to Sporting de Gijón at Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp extended the winless run since the season-opening 5-1 victory. Across the losses, Andorra have conceded 10 goals while struggling to convert chances, sitting level on points with Cádiz and Córdoba but with a better goal difference. This marks their poorest record after six matchdays in four years in the division—below 11 points last season, nine in 2023-2024, and 10 on debut.

Manso attributed much of the issue to mental fragility, with anxiety leading to rushed plays and poor decisions in the final third. Against Gijón, they conceded early in the sixth minute, equalized, then fell behind again during their strongest spell. "We need some calm, without hiding that there are things to improve," he said, stressing that opponents punish errors while Andorra generate opportunities but lack finishing. He rejected drastic changes, stating: "The easiest thing is to blow it all up, but we won't allow that."

The coach praised the second-half character against Gijón—high energy without recklessness—and predicted one win could spark progress. Long-term absentees Théo Le Normand and Gael Alonso remain out, while new signing Enes Sali is eligible. Debutant starter Andoni López echoed the sentiment, saying: "The dressing room is united, we know it's a tough moment, but we believe."

Manso previewed the Gijón match by urging better chance conversion and defensive adjustments, including potential starts for goalkeeper Jesús Owono and López. Sporting had seven points from two wins, a draw, and two losses, though scoreless in their previous two games. The teams have split six prior meetings, Andorra's last home win a 1-0 in March. Referee Pablo Morales Moreno officiated.

A demanding schedule awaits: away at Granada on Saturday, then Sabadell, home to leaders Castelló, and Girona. Owono and Randy Schneider will miss Granada with international duty—Owono for Equatorial Guinea's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against DR Congo and Sierra Leone, Schneider for Philippines' ASEAN Cup games against Vietnam, Pakistan, and Thailand, ruling him out at Sabadell too.