Sergio Nieto: “If we beat Antequera, we will look at the second round differently”
In a season that has seen Alcoyano navigate tight margins, Pablo Ganet remains a central figure for both club and country. The midfielder, who has renewed his ties with the Equatorial Guinea squad, faced a fixture list that required him to balance duties between Alcoyano and the national team. This dynamic keeps Vicente Parras, Alcoyano’s coach, adjusting his plans with Ganet’s availability in mind. The upcoming dates see Ganet potentially missing key league matches as national-team commitments align with club duties, a reality many players in similar positions contend with when international calendars collide with domestic campaigns.
As the calendar turned toward the new year, Ganet’s inclusion in Equatorial Guinea’s squad was confirmed for the African Cup cycle. The 34th edition of the continental championship often reframes a player’s season, providing valuable international exposure while testing depth at the club level. Ganet, who joined Alcoyano in late August, has become a familiar presence for both teams. His steady performances during 2024 helped him remain a fixture in friendlies and competitive fixtures alike, underscoring his reliability in midfield duties.
On the official announcements, Ganet was listed among the 27 players selected for the national squad, signaling trust in his experience and versatility. The African Cup program scheduled matches across January, pitting Equatorial Guinea against formidable opponents and offering Ganet a platform to showcase his skills on a broader stage. The schedule placed a tight sequence of games, with matches against Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, and Ivory Coast concentrated in a compact window. This cadence demanded tactical discipline and stamina, attributes Ganet has consistently demonstrated over his club career.
Ganet, a Malagueño by origin, carries a strong connection to Guinea through lineage. At 29 years old, he brings a seasoned, composed presence to the midfield, capable of dictating tempo and threading passes under pressure. He prepared for the first group-stage clash against Nigeria, set to kick off in mid-January, with coaches focusing on collective shape and midfield balance. Four days after that tie, the team faced Guinea-Bissau, and the group wrapped up against Ivory Coast. Such fixtures are not only about results but about cohesion and the adoption of a clear strategic approach that can carry through to the team’s broader competitive ambitions.
The last time Ganet answered a national call was in the previous November, when he helped Alcoyano secure a win away from home. The match against Malaga served as a reminder of the fragility and resilience inherent in football schedules, where international commitments can suspend domestic form even for players who start and finish games for their clubs. On the international front, Ganet participated in friendlies against Namibia and Liberia, matches that Equatorial Guinea won by a one-goal margin and that helped the national team build tactical intelligence and squad depth ahead of the continental tournament.
On the club side, Alcoyano aims to extend its winning streak as the team strives to climb out of the relegation battle. A trio of consecutive victories would not only lift the club from the danger zone but also elevate the mood around the squad during a demanding period that tests both fitness and morale. Standing in their way is Antequera, a club that has also found momentum but is keen to halt Alcoyano’s surge and join the fight for a safer competitive standing. The league context remains unforgiving, with Intercity and Ibiza lurking in the same vicinity, each chasing playoff spots and attempting to chart a path back to professional status.
Against this backdrop, the team’s focus remains twofold: keepGanets on-field impact high for club fixtures when national duty permits, and ensure that the midfield operates with precision during periods when the coach can count on his services. The strategic tension between club and country adds a layer of complexity to preparation, but it also creates opportunities for players like Ganet to grow by testing themselves in varied tactical setups and competitive environments.
Looking ahead, the objective for Alcoyano is clear. They want to secure another three-point haul and extend the streak, reinforcing their resilience and sharpening their collective identity. For Ganet, the national team’s demanding schedule provides a platform to demonstrate leadership and technical proficiency on a larger stage, while also contributing to his return to club competition in a way that strengthens the squad for the rest of the season. The interplay between these two commitments is a defining feature of modern football, where players routinely balance multi-faceted responsibilities in pursuit of individual and team success.
Overall, the season presents a balancing act that many players navigate with professionalism and tenacity. Ganet’s continued involvement with Equatorial Guinea alongside his responsibilities for Alcoyano reflects his value as a versatile, reliable midfielder who can adapt to different tactical demands and still perform at a high level when called upon. The ongoing narrative will hinge on how well he harmonizes these competing demands and how Alcoyano capitalizes on the stability his presence provides when available.
— FeguifutOfficial —
Notes: The information reflects squad selections and match schedules surrounding the ongoing continental competition, with updates provided through official channels and match reporting. Specific dates, lineups, and results are subject to change as teams respond to on-field dynamics and strategic considerations.