The negatives were defensive fragility and goalkeeping. Even so, Ibai Gómez considers Real Zaragoza’s overall performance “positive”. “We’ll lose at some point and have time to look at the negatives. After two wins, there are countless positives. I’m working on the other things, but I’m not worried. There are so many positives… I’d like you to see them that way too, but it’s not always possible. You are Zaragoza fans, so let’s all enjoy this. We’ll have time to give the people something because we’ll lose, there’s no doubt about that,” he stressed.
As for their style of play, the Real Zaragoza coach hopes it will resemble more the performance against Nàstic de Tarragona than those in the two wins. “There is one approach that brings us closer to winning: the one against Nàstic. We deserved to win that game, and it is the only one we have lost,” he said.
Ibai Gómez coaches Real Zaragoza during an open training session. Photo: Diego Sanz
“In Torremolinos we followed a different plan and the team adapted well, playing the game that was required. I don’t think there will be many contexts like that. Many things can happen on those pitches, but Torremolinos did not deserve to win. We have a Plan B, and I’m very happy,” he insisted. However, the idea he wants to implement is the one seen in Tarragona rather than in the last two games.
DELIGHTED IN ZARAGOZA
The coach wanted to highlight “the level and willingness” of the members of the sporting department. “We’re delighted. Day to day, it’s incredible: everyone is eager, open to listening and ready to help. We are a coaching staff that likes to listen, and there is a spectacular atmosphere that earns points,” he explained about the state of Real Zaragoza.
He then added something more enigmatic. “We have a lot of people and we need—not to control them, but to ensure there is order. Even so, I’m delighted with what I have found. There were meetings to decide, as a club and coaching staff, who should be here. We got it right and we’re very happy,” the leader of the Real Zaragoza dressing room replied.
MAXIMUM EXCITEMENT
Ibai insisted on the idea of focusing on the positive side, including when making his calculations for promotion. The plan was to win the first two games and then collect seven points from every 12. “We left the first two for the final two. We started the four-game block from the first matchday. With a draw we would enter the first block, and with a win we would be above it,” he maintained about his calculations.
What Real Zaragoza certainly will not lack is excitement. “Have no doubt that you will see me this excited until the last day I am here. I came with clear ideas, and I know exactly how to approach it. I want to enjoy it day by day. I’m delighted. We’re starting to excite the fans and we want to achieve that with a great performance,” he added.
Once again, Ibai appealed for positivity. “We’ll have the fans with us. It gives the youngsters a lot. Last year’s players are fantastic, and negative messages affect them. I think we’re starting to excite people, and that was the first objective,” he concluded on the matter.
