Ibai Gómez has received praise from all quarters. “We have the best squad, without a doubt. I take responsibility. I am very happy with the sporting department and the club. I know what has gone on behind the scenes and how willing the players have been. Many could have moved to more prestigious clubs and they are here. That deserves recognition,” the Real Zaragoza coach began.
He had been “eager” for the window to close. There has been talk of signings, departures… and now that there is no longer any possibility of making changes, the calm has arrived. Even more so given the squad Real Zaragoza have assembled, he insisted. “I am delighted with the squad and eager for the season to continue,” he reiterated.
Ibai Gómez during his presentation with Real Zaragoza. Photo: David Graner
The praise did not end there. Asked about potentially weaker positions, Ibai Gómez had not detected any problems. “There is nothing. I am delighted with the squad, with how we are, with the players… there is not a single but. There are months until winter; we hope we will not need it and, if we do, I am sure the club will be willing,” he asserted.
TOP-LEVEL PLAYERS
Ibai praised every player he was asked about. The first was Lucas Terrer. “We had a lot of faith in both him and Barrachina. They have spectacular abilities. I know Hugo has faced criticism, but he has the qualities to play in the top division,” he pointed out.
The Real Zaragoza coach continued. “I am delighted with Lucas. They are two exceptional lads who support Zaragoza. I attach great importance to them at the club and given the club’s current situation. I am delighted with both of them; Lucas is a spectacular person and has the qualities to play at a much higher level,” he said of the pair.
Ibai places great value on the academy, which is why he considers a “sense of belonging” to be “key.” Zaragoza supporters must always be “made use of” whenever they have a level suitable for the team. Anyone who combines both qualities will be an important player for the coach.
MORE PLAYERS
The analysis then turned to individual cases. “We see Peter arriving in the number-eight area. The other day we were getting there easily and he was missing from the box, so we played him as a number 10,” he explained regarding Ademo. That player, however, appears set to be unavailable after not training with Real Zaragoza on Friday.
Next came Jamelli. “He has the qualities to play as a number 10, but in the way we press, he does not have the strength to lead that pressing line, which we consider so important. For now, we see him as a number 6 or 8 to find players between the lines. He understands the game very well,” he explained.
It remains to be seen who will make up the starting eleven. What does seem certain is that Real Zaragoza will make changes to their formation to adapt to Antequera. Those changes must have the desired effect.
