Andorra's Manso Braces for 'War' at Unbeaten Sabadell in Young Coaches' Rivalry

FC Andorra manager Carles Manso has warned of a bruising encounter at Sabadell on Saturday at 18:30, pitting him against former colleague Ferran Costa, while stressing the need to maintain the intensity from last week's 3-2 win at Granada.

The victory snapped a five-game losing streak, lifting the team from the relegation zone and restoring confidence in the dressing room. Manso, speaking at a press conference, called it a source of "relief and calm" but cautioned that Sabadell demands maximum effort in every challenge. "We expect a war," he said, highlighting the hosts' focus on collective play and high pressing. Any lapse in rhythm could prove fatal, he added.

Sabadell, newly promoted, sit comfortably after six games unbeaten in their last six outings—three wins and three draws—with just one defeat overall to Mallorca. At home, they have won all three fixtures at Nova Creu Alta, conceding only six goals total. Their aggressive style, pressing across the pitch, mirrors the demands Andorra faced in Andalusia.

The matchup carries extra intrigue as the league's two youngest coaches—Manso (33) and Costa (32)—renew a rivalry that began when Manso assisted Costa during the latter's prior stint at Andorra. They met in a tough pre-season friendly, but Costa downplayed Manso's "war" rhetoric. "That word doesn't fit a football match," he said, emphasising his side's commitment to every ball while staying true to their identity. He dismissed his Andorra tenure as a lesson in trusting his instincts and noted both teams' desire to win, despite tactical differences.

Manso may stick with the back-five setup that worked at Granada—featuring centrals Bomba, Spatz and Alende, plus wing-backs—allowing rivals possession to exploit spaces behind. Forwards Jordi Cano and Nacho Quintana shone last time, with Cano pivotal in the pragmatic shift. Set-piece defending remains a priority after Granada's two goals came from dead balls.

Andorra welcome back goalkeeper Jesús Owono and Hugo López from international duty, but Randy Schneider is out, alongside Gael Alonso and Théo Le Normand in recovery. Sabadell miss Bonaldo, Fornés, Moreno and Gioacchini to injury.

Probable lineups:

CE Sabadell (Ferran Costa): Fuoli; Ripoll, Català, Óscar Sanz, Èdgar González, Codina; Urri, Pere Pons, Liameed, Priego, Valles.

FC Andorra (Carles Manso): Owono; Carrique, Bomba, Spatz, Alende, Martí Vilà; Molina, Marc Domènech, Akman; Nacho Quintana, Jordi Cano.

Referee to be confirmed. Venue: Nova Creu Alta, Sabadell.