Once a powerhouse in Spanish football, Deportivo La Coruña is now rebuilding its identity in the Segunda División, determined to reclaim its place among Spain’s elite.
The club, which won La Liga in 2000 and reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2004, has endured a steep decline over the past decade. Relegated from La Liga in 2018, Deportivo fell further into the third tier in 2020, a shocking descent for a team with such a storied past. However, after earning promotion last season, optimism is returning to the Riazor.
Speaking to Hayters TV, Deportivo’s CEO, Massimo Adalberto Benassi, emphasized the club’s commitment to sustainable growth rather than a reckless pursuit of promotion.
“If you ask the owner, he will say as soon as possible,” Benassi said regarding a La Liga return. “But we don’t want to die in the process. For us, it is more important to be sustainable and clever, to grow with the project and do it step-by-step.”
A Smarter Approach to Recruitment
Financial mismanagement and poor recruitment played a major role in Deportivo’s fall from grace. Now, the club is embracing a modern, data-driven approach to scouting.
“Our scouts monitor all of Europe using video, and when we make shortlists, they travel to check and then double-check players,” Benassi explained. “Data is a really important part of our football department.”
He pointed to the successes of clubs like Brentford and Brighton in England as examples of how data can be used effectively, though Deportivo is not looking to copy any single model.
“You cannot copy and paste from one club to another. We try to keep a balance between what the technical staff, data, and financial side of the club are saying.”
Signs of Progress
Now under the management of Óscar Gilsanz, Deportivo is sitting mid-table in the Segunda División, showing signs of resilience. The team has lost just twice since the start of the year, and while draws have been an issue, they have proven difficult to beat.
With a strong fanbase, a new recruitment strategy, and a patient but determined vision, Deportivo La Coruña’s return to La Liga feels inevitable. It may not happen immediately, but the club is on the right path—one built on sustainability, smart scouting, and a clear long-term plan.
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