Seedorf hopeful of Deportivo fightback

Bengaluru, February 14: Though Dutch great Clarence Seedorf's managerial start at Deportivo de la Coruna ended in a defeat, he has promised to turn things around quickly.

Given his limited experience as a manager, having had only brief stints at AC Milan and Chinese Second Division side Shenzhen FC, Seedorf, the former Ajax Amsterdam, Real Madrid and AC Milan star was the surprise choice to replace Spaniard Cristobal Parralo at Deportivo, who are struggling to stay afloat in the top flight of Spanish La Liga.

And his stint in La Liga started with a 0-1 home defeat to Real Betis, which has further pushed Deportivo down to the relegation zone.

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It also earned him the dubious distinction of being the first Dutch manager to loose on his La Liga debut.

1 - Clarence Seedorf is the first Dutch manager to lose on his La Liga debut. Danger. pic.twitter.com/O3SCcNgwAg

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 12, 2018

Despite the defeat, Seedorf, who is the only player to have won Champions League with three different clubs (Ajax, AC Milan and Real Madrid) feels Deportivo had shown signs of improvement.

"Right now we've to look at the things that we did well. It was a difficult game because they use the ball very well, but the team always stayed organised, leaving little space for them to create proper chances," the Dutchman was quoted as saying in Spanish media.

In a short coaching career, Seedorf was at the helm of Milan for 22 matches from January to June 2014, and spent 14 matches at Shenzhen from July to December 2016.

That does not deter him from aiming big and Seedorf hopes for a change of fortunes.

"The team fought well, we played as a team and this is the path we need to follow. We wanted a different result but there're more games to come and we're convinced this is the way to go. We've already seen a change in energy and attitude," added Seedorf.

Deportivo are currently languishing 19th in La Liga table with just 17 points from 23 games. They next take on Alaves in an away game on Saturday (February 17).

(With inputs from Agencies).