Things need to be taken one at a time. To begin with, Ibai Gómez is not going to throw away the Copa del Rey. “Real Zaragoza have to approach the cup in the way the club deserves. I am enthusiastic. The objective is to go as far as possible and we will approach it with respect for our opponents,” he began.
That is perfectly compatible with the fact that, judging by Ibai Gómez’s words, the playing surface at Estadio Ciudad de Tudela leaves much to be desired. “The match will possibly be ugly; the pitch is horrible. It will not be nice to watch, I am saying this before we get an unpleasant surprise. We have to compete very well. For me and for the players who do not play as often, it is an opportunity to compete and enjoy ourselves,” he said of the match.
Pinilla, a player on Real Zaragoza’s starting lineup list against Tudelano. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
He repeated this idea before, during and after praising Tudelano, a team that plays in Group 2 of the Segunda Federación (the fourth tier). “They will make things difficult for us from the buildup because the pitch is in very poor condition. They win their duels, they are strong and aggressive, they commit many fouls, they have two powerful center-backs, a clear defensive approach and a right winger who can make a difference…,” he said.
That said, he also acknowledged that he would not praise so many of his opponents’ qualities if Real Zaragoza were playing at home. “It will be uncomfortable. We have watched six or seven of Tudelano’s home matches and the pitch is in very poor condition, horrible. It has a negative impact on what we want to do. I do not want to make excuses; we will try to win,” he added.
SATISFIED WITH WHAT HE HAS
Ibai said he was “incredibly satisfied” with Real Zaragoza’s performance and insisted that he “would repeat the match plan.” They did win, albeit without great flair, and that is what football is about. Win and move on to the next one. So, in terms of the result, there is reason to be satisfied. He did acknowledge that they needed to “create more danger.”
He was also courteous toward A.Gain, the probable new owners of the SAD, who have been given the CSD’s approval to purchase the shares. “The relationship is close; they are very busy working to make things function. I want the deal to be completed because of the external noise, so we can focus on what we need to focus on. I do not ask too many questions,” the Real Zaragoza coach explained.
Ibai during last Wednesday’s open training session with Real Zaragoza. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
He is also “happy” with the fitness coaches, “Miki (Lampre) and Pablo (Quílez). “They are hard-working and have an incredible willingness to help. Pedro as well, as we attach great importance to nutrition. They are the architects; these are causes, not coincidences,” he said about the team’s physical condition.
Although “injuries will come” at some point, the Real Zaragoza coach is, in general, “very happy” with those who make up the coaching staff. At least in that respect. Physically, they are “very good.” In addition, the players “are highly committed and eager to grow.” For now, the team is working.
