1997–98 was to be the first full season in charge for Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Silva, who had taken over from John Toshack following the Welshman's resignation in February.[4][5] Silva had a strong start, guiding Deportivo to 3rd in La Liga by the end of the season, and earning them a return to European competition after a year away by qualifying for the 1997–98 UEFA Cup. Their first round opponents were Auxerre, but a 2–1 defeat at Estadio Riazor[6] followed by a goalless draw in France saw Depor eliminated before the end of September.[7]
Deportivo were also far from convincing in La Liga, and a 3–1 home defeat by Real Valladolid on 15 October left them 15th in the table, with just one win from their first six matches.[8] Silva was sacked, and replaced by José Manuel Corral until the end of the season.[9] Corral improved the club's league form slightly, but they were only able to finish the season a disappointing 12th, their lowest placing since 1991–92. They did reach the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, but were defeated 3–1 on aggregate by Segunda División side Deportivo Alavés.[10]
Corral made way at the end of the season for Javier Irureta,[11] paving the way for the most successful period of the club's history. Irureta would lead them to their first top flight title only two seasons later.
Players
Squad
Source:[12]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Source:[13]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
