The praise for the players began almost immediately. First, he started with a general comment. “I’m extremely happy. I grow very fond of people, especially those who give everything every day. It’s a spectacle to watch them,” said the Real Zaragoza coach.
Then came the first list of names. “I’m happy that Pini (Hugo Pinilla) played his first minutes and provided an assist; that Pau (Sans) scored; Joaquín (Delgado) had a goal ruled out; Edu (Espiau) scored… I’m calm. I know they will come, but it’s important for them and I’m extremely happy,” the coach said about several of Real Zaragoza’s attackers.
Pau celebrates Real Zaragoza’s third goal against Teruel. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
He went into greater detail about Espiau a few minutes later. “I’m very happy for him. He played because he deserved to. If he can create three or four chances every day, the goals will come. I see how hard he presses; he contributes numbers, and that’s important for him. Surely, that will bring him closer to scoring more goals,” he analyzed about the Real Zaragoza striker.
MORE ATTACKERS
After the first four came the fifth: Jaume Jardí. “The great work of the sporting department must be highlighted. He was very difficult to sign; with his numbers from last season, he would surely have offers from a higher division,” the coach began about the player.
He then shared an anecdote from Real Zaragoza’s summer preparations. “During preseason, he surprised me, but not in a good way. I told him that Jaime had arrived then and now we have Jaume. Having players with that relationship with the goal, that decision-making, who provide assists, have personality and work hard, is a blessing,” he concluded about him.
Next came Ureña. “I have a special affection for him. He won’t make me play him when he doesn’t deserve to; he didn’t start last week. He has outstanding qualities: he plays inside and outside, turns, is capable of making things happen, has a good relationship with the goal… he is making a difference, and hopefully he will continue to do so,” he said about the attacker.
CENTER-BACKS AND THE PREDICTION
Real Zaragoza’s two starting center-backs, Diego González and Rubén Iranzo, also received their share of praise. “Things may go better or worse for them, but it’s a pleasure to watch them play. I remember top-level center-back partnerships and how they celebrated every action they won, and they remind me of them. It’s a pleasure to see how they complement each other and the qualities they have… they make us feel very secure,” he said about them.
Finally — though no less importantly — came the prediction: “Lucas Terrer is going to play in the top division. I hope it will be with Real Zaragoza.
