“We have a change of approach in mind. It is a different match from the previous two. The pitch could affect us. We are going with a different idea. We will always be proactive, but with nuances that we have worked on more through video than on the pitch. We hope to get things right to win the match,” Real Zaragoza coach Ibai Gómez summed up, without wanting to give too much away.
What seems clear is that there will be a change of system. There will be changes “both in the attacking and defensive phases,” especially in response to Real Zaragoza’s opponents. Europa, a team battling to avoid relegation, “play differently and have a different approach.” So, in short, “there will be changes.”
ANDER HERRERA
One of the key names has been Ander Herrera, who “is going to play.” Following that statement, it is understood that he will start for Real Zaragoza against Europa. “He gives us a great deal of control through possession, and we value that. He is capable of keeping the ball with a player behind him, he has mobility, he can move behind the opposition... he offers something different and is important in every sense,” Ibai Gómez said.
The question is who will partner him in Real Zaragoza’s midfield. It could be Saidu or Lucas Terrer. The coach was also asked about the former. “He is improving enormously. He is giving everything, but when the starters continue to maintain their level, that is more down to the players who begin the games than a reflection of the others’ shortcomings. I am delighted with him, and we will see. He may well play,” he stated.
The third player in the equation is Rubén Díez, who has yet to share the pitch with Ander. “He is vital. He stitches everything together for us. Sometimes he reaches the end a little short of energy, and he did not play at the start because he told us it takes him time to find his rhythm. I am really looking forward to seeing them together. Ander finds Rubén and he does the rest. Picking the lineup is a huge headache, but this is a long season,” Ibai said of his players.
THE FULL-BACK AND THE STRIKER
Asked about the left-back position, where Sangalli played in the second half of the match against Real Murcia, he also did not want to give too much away. “He could continue there. He gives you clarity when building from the back and in the attacking phase, creating combinations in play,” the coach said ahead of the match against Europa.
Finally, there is the question of Real Zaragoza’s attacking position. “It could be good for Joaquín (Delgado). There will be changes to the lineup and the system. Joaquín, Edu (Espiau), Pau or Ureña could play up front... We will see; there is one training session left, and I have to see who is ready,” Ibai Gómez concluded before facing Europa.
