The 1997-98 campaign was a turbulent year of transition for Deportivo as Depor finished a frustrating 12th in La Liga, their lowest league placing in six seasons, despite the incredible skill of their new star. The season was defined by a mid-season managerial change from Carlos Alberto Silva to José Manuel Corral, but it remains memorable for the arrival of the supremely talented Brazilian attacking midfielder Djalminha, whose 8 league goals (10 across all competitions) provided flashes of brilliance and hinted at the legendary performances to come. Though the team failed to progress in the UEFA Cup or Copa del Rey, this pivotal season laid the groundwork for future success by solidifying the core of the legendary squad, which would soon be led by the incoming manager Javier Irureta.