That said, Real Zaragoza have worked on it. Following the latest renovation, the pitch measures 106x63 meters. Ibai's team have worked on playing in tighter spaces. In any case, he acknowledged that the dimensions are "within regulations" and sought to play down their importance.
This aspect has been taken into account during preparations. Both Ibercaja Estadio and Nou Estadi — Nàstic's stadium in the first matchday — are closer to a professional setting, but Real Zaragoza must win. "People are closer to you, they're right by the fence... but this is real football. They've all played in that kind of setting, in that context," the coach stated.
Ibai Gómez speaks before Juventud de Torremolinos - Real Zaragoza. Photo: A.P.
What he is clear about is that he will not use it as an excuse. "I'm not going to complain about the schedules, the size of the grass, the sun... you have to adapt. It will make us a more complete team. It changes nothing beyond adjusting the schedules to the match," Real Zaragoza's coach insisted, referring to the team's weekly routines.
This issue "is not decisive." And if it is, let it work in their favor. "They also play there at that time," he stressed. He does not want excuses. They must win to collect three vital points.
THE KEY NAMES
The coach had words of praise for Rubén Díez ‘Jamelli’, who came on during the closing stages of the first matchday and did not feature in the last game. He is a player "of a very high level" who "will be important." He is still looking for a position for him, specifically further forward, close to the striker, in the attacking midfield area. He prefers him there to playing as a pivot.
"We had a conversation and our relationship is fantastic. We were teammates at Dépor. I didn't expect to use this system and he was playing too far back. Further forward, when he is close to the box, he will offer more," Real Zaragoza's coach said.
ESPIAU ALMOST RULED OUT
Real Zaragoza's goalscorer in the victory over Antequera, Edu Espiau, is almost ruled out. He is suffering from muscular discomfort that prevented him from training on Thursday and Friday. Therefore, with the current priority being not to take risks, everything points to him missing the match against Juventud de Torremolinos.
