[h=3]Albion urged to mix Latin style with Brit grit[/h]9:14am Thursday 4th July 2013 in Albion By Brian Owen
Oscar Garcia and Inigo Calderon at training. Pic by Paul Hazlewood
Oscar Garcia has been urged to blend Latin style with British steel as he takes Albion into pre-season.
Former Seagulls striker Gerry Armstrong believes a strong Spanish influence can help his old club compete for promotion.
But only if they also have a significant British influence and Championship experience.
Albion are preparing for their first friendly since Garcia’s arrival as head coach as they take on Whitehawk on Saturday.
Armstrong, a leading Spanish football pundit for Sky Sports, loved the way they played football under Gus Poyet.
He believes their technical players can shine in the Championship next term if the formula is right.
The ex-Mallorca striker said: “Because I’ve played in both leagues I think you have to have a balance between British and Spanish.
“That is my honest opinion. I don’t know what Oscar thinks.
“In October through to February, you are going to have some tough conditions. You are going to need people who will be solid and strong defensively.
“Then, when a technical player takes on someone who is not as technical on a slippery or heavy surface, I always fancy the technical player as long as his confidence and belief is right.”
He added: “The Championship is a tough league to get out of.
“With QPR and Reading getting relegated, it won’t be easy.
“Brighton will have to work hard but I think they must be in the frame.”
Armstrong believes Albion can look forward to an exciting trio of friendlies against Spanish sides Getafe, Sporting Gijon and Villarreal, the last of them at The Amex.
He said: “Sporting are good club and, like Villarreal, they have excellent youth development.
“Getafe are a very good mid-table Premier League side who play excellent football.
“Villarreal play brilliant football. They are an excellent side.”
Original article
Oscar Garcia has been urged to blend Latin style with British steel as he takes Albion into pre-season.
Former Seagulls striker Gerry Armstrong believes a strong Spanish influence can help his old club compete for promotion.
But only if they also have a significant British influence and Championship experience.
Albion are preparing for their first friendly since Garcia’s arrival as head coach as they take on Whitehawk on Saturday.
Armstrong, a leading Spanish football pundit for Sky Sports, loved the way they played football under Gus Poyet.
He believes their technical players can shine in the Championship next term if the formula is right.
The ex-Mallorca striker said: “Because I’ve played in both leagues I think you have to have a balance between British and Spanish.
“That is my honest opinion. I don’t know what Oscar thinks.
“In October through to February, you are going to have some tough conditions. You are going to need people who will be solid and strong defensively.
“Then, when a technical player takes on someone who is not as technical on a slippery or heavy surface, I always fancy the technical player as long as his confidence and belief is right.”
He added: “The Championship is a tough league to get out of.
“With QPR and Reading getting relegated, it won’t be easy.
“Brighton will have to work hard but I think they must be in the frame.”
Armstrong believes Albion can look forward to an exciting trio of friendlies against Spanish sides Getafe, Sporting Gijon and Villarreal, the last of them at The Amex.
He said: “Sporting are good club and, like Villarreal, they have excellent youth development.
“Getafe are a very good mid-table Premier League side who play excellent football.
“Villarreal play brilliant football. They are an excellent side.”
Original article