Álex Calvo Commits to Left-Back Role for FC Andorra's Relegation Battle

Álex Calvo, FC Andorra's record signing, remains committed to filling in at left-back amid ongoing injuries, as the team prepares for a must-win home match against relegation rivals Real Sociedad B on Saturday at 2pm in Encamp's Estadi de la FAF.

The 21-year-old from Córdoba arrived from Málaga in summer 2023 for a €1 million fixed fee, plus €0.5 million in variables and a 20% sell-on clause, with his contract until 2028. Following last season's relegation, he spent summer 2024 on loan at Mirandés. Injuries to Martí Vilà—now recovered—and Imanol García's struggles have seen him adapt from right- or left-wing to left-back and wing-back roles in Primera RFEF. "I am an FC Andorra player and will play wherever the coach tells me," Calvo said. Though he prefers advancing with the ball, he is adapting to defensive duties and feels more mature, adding nuances to his game without losing his core style.

FC Andorra sit 16th with 29 points from 24 matches, four points clear of the drop zone occupied by 19th-placed Real Sociedad B, coached by Ion Ansotegi. The visitors, known as Sanse, have gone six games without a win—four draws and two losses—though they merited more against Las Palmas last time out. They claimed a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture at Anoeta under former Andorra coach Ibai Gómez, with Gorka Carrera scoring twice and Lander Astiazarán once. Carrera, from Renteria and a Real Sociedad first-team debutant on November 30, 2025, leads their attack with nine goals, supported by midfield talents Mikel Rodríguez and Dani Díaz. Ansotegi highlighted Andorra's possession-based style, planning high pressing, strong defending, and quick transitions.

Recent form underlines the stakes: five points from 15 possible, including a draw at Huesca and a 2-0 loss at Castelló. Calvo defended the three-centre-back setup there, noting strong early play despite the early concession that complicated matters. "The team showed good sensations in play and setup. We have no choice but to keep working—results will come," he said. Home games against direct rivals have yielded just four points from 15, with draws versus Mirandés (1-1), Granada (0-0), Cultural (1-1), Huesca (1-1), and a 1-2 defeat to Leganés. Only three home wins this season, the last a 1-0 over Deportivo on December 20.

Technical director Carles Manso, with Gerard Piqué in attendance, prioritised identity and mental resilience. "We've put more emphasis on not stopping being ourselves, whatever the result, at any moment or minute," he said, focusing on sustained 90-minute performance. He praised Sanse as a talented, energetic side with strong physical metrics and a high defensive line, leaving open a repeat of Castelló's 3-5-2 for clean build-up play. Forward Marc Cardona, gaining match rhythm, could start or come off the bench. The squad is nearly fully available, with Carrique, Villahermosa, and Jastin at suspension risk; three players will be omitted.

Manso called for Encamp to become a fortress, urging fan support in this pivotal clash ahead of away trips to Almería and a home date with Zaragoza.