Deportivo placed third overall in La Liga finishing only below champions Real Madrid and runners-up FC Barcelona.[1] Former Deportivo President Augusto César Lendoiro reached an agreement with Palmeiras for $7 million to acquire Rivaldo before the 1996 Olympic Games, instead of buying midfielder Amaral.[2] On 10 February 1997 after the team was eliminated in Copa del Rey round of 16, Lendoiro fired John Toshack due to his interactions with club officials, players, and fans. The Welsh manager was replaced by the Palmeiras coach Carlos Alberto Silva.[3] On 9 September 1996, Deportivo signed Brazilian midfielder Flávio Conceição from Palmeiras.[4]
Squad
Source: BdFútbol
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.