The Real Zaragoza coach has subtly hinted at his wish for this Saturday at 9:00 p.m., when Villarreal B, level on points in the race for the lead, visits the Aragonese capital. “It could be the decisive factor in helping us win. I don't like asking; our idea is to give… I think this is a moment when the lads deserve—I hope—the Ibercaja Estadio to be full. It could make the difference,” he said.
The Ibercaja Estadio hosts Real Zaragoza's match. Photo: A.P.
The hint was a direct one. Real Zaragoza has strong support in the stands, and Ibai Gómez wants to make the most of it. Even more so against a reserve side, Villarreal B, packed with young players. “They haven't been exposed to an Ibercaja Estadio with the atmosphere the fans are creating. It is a little uncertain for them; not for us, because we have already played in this kind of setting. We have to try to turn that in our favor,” he stated.
The coach did not hesitate to praise his opponent at every turn. “We are playing against a very good team in almost every area. There are few teams that are so good in so many phases of the game. It is going to be very difficult and a wonderful match. We want to hurt them with our ideas and approach. It is an unusual week, but it is going to be a great game,” he said of Villarreal's reserve side.
NO CLUES
Ibai Gómez did not want to give anything away. His caution was absolute. He did not even say whether he would try to counter youth with experience or vice versa. From the outside, everything remains up in the air at Real Zaragoza.
“It depends on how we look at it. We can try to match the lads' energy… I like talking about football, but this is what we have to do now. After the match, I will stay much longer,” the Real Zaragoza coach said about the lack of football-related content in his press conference.
What's more, he will not publish even the names of those called up for the match. There are 26 players available, and he will announce the squad in the dressing room before the game. Physically, “they are all available,” he stated.
Ibai Gómez leads Real Zaragoza on the pitch. Photo: Diego Sanz
“I don't know. We'll see. We will try to hurt them in different ways. I will try to give them as few clues as possible,” he added on another occasion.
BACK HOME
Real Zaragoza returns to the Ibercaja Estadio—which can be called home this season—and there is some relief at that. “We go into every weekend with the same idea. We want to win at home after four consecutive matches away. We can see the excitement and the messages we are receiving… we want to keep that going,” he said.
The foundations are taking shape. Real Zaragoza has adapted to the division and “shows ambition, humility and strength every day…”. Even so, there is still plenty to do. “What has been done is done; we have to look to the future,” he concluded on the matter.
