“Westerveld is fit to play, but I’m keeping my decision to myself. I know Anartz, I’m happy with both of them and on Sunday you’ll see who I choose,” Real Zaragoza coach Ibai Gómez said ahead of the match against Atlético Madrid’s reserve side.
Real Zaragoza’s physical condition is “exceptional,” with the exception of the injured Vadillo. They are “at a very good level.” The coach is satisfied in that regard.
Ander Herrera in a Real Zaragoza friendly. Photo: David Graner
That said, Ander Herrera will not be ready to start the match. “He is not ready for 90 minutes. Players who start have to be at 100% in case we need them to play the full 90 minutes. He is available to play, but not from the start,” the coach said.
A PRIVILEGED MIDFIELD
With Peter Ademo, Lucas Terrer and Rubén Díez “Jamelli,” Real Zaragoza have found a midfield on which to build their style of play. “I don’t like talking about perfection, but at the stage we are at, we have found three players who give us excellent performances and bring us closer to winning,” he said of the three footballers.
That said, “each match demands something different.” “Levels of fitness” have a major influence, and the Real Zaragoza coach considers it “unlikely” that they will remain high throughout the season. It would be no exception with these players, although as of today, “the level of all three is excellent.”
EVERYONE PLAYS
After six matchdays, every Real Zaragoza player has made their debut and almost all of them have started at some point. Ibai feels “happy and grateful” toward them because he does not hand out minutes. “Everyone who has played has earned it,” he added.
For him, the most difficult part is telling players that they will not take part. The team must choose 11 starters and then five more players. There are not enough minutes for everyone. Even so, Ibai feels “grateful and happy” with the footballers.
