This issue was repeatedly raised during the press conference Ibai Gómez held ahead of Real Zaragoza’s meeting with Cartagena. The first question he answered concerned injuries, of which there are currently none.
“Everyone is available. Last week we managed Edu’s (Espiau) workload, and he is ready, but this is a long-distance race. We will see tomorrow in the squad announcement whether we decide to manage anyone’s workload or not,” said the Real Zaragoza coach.
Ibai Gómez coaches Real Zaragoza during an open training session. Photo: Diego Sanz
In this regard, Ibai did not hesitate to make one statement: “There will be a change of system and Jaume (Jardí) and ten more will play.
The question now is which system to choose. The Real Zaragoza coach was asked directly about the 4-3-3 and the possibility of Saidu being part of that setup. “You’re close. We have many variations, but you may be right,” he replied.
THE OPTIONS
Once again, the coach has a choice to make. After three rounds of the league, with the next one being the fourth, and all players available, the idea that this could be an ideal starting XI is being discussed. But it is not something the coach has in mind this season, in which Real Zaragoza will compete in the third tier.
“In Primera RFEF, it will be difficult to have an ideal starting XI. We will see a core group, but the circumstances change a lot. In the Primera or Segunda divisions, they are similar, but here they change. Having an ideal XI will be complicated. We will take it one match at a time,” Ibai Gómez said about the idea.
In any case, for this match, the first starter is known to be Jardí. From there, he prefers “not to talk too much.” But Real Zaragoza have options.
MORE OPTIONS FOR THE XI
There are plenty of choices at full-back and on the wings for Real Zaragoza. Sangalli at the back, Ureña and Vadillo further forward… “Both of them (Sangalli and Ureña) are there, but Vadillo is flying. I have a difficult choice to make. We will see what we do, but they are all ready to start,” he said.
The team is on an upward trajectory, according to Ibai Gómez, although it still needs to keep improving. “We have taken a step forward with set pieces, and we are going to change the system because we need it tomorrow,” he insisted. That is how Real Zaragoza will try to secure their third consecutive victory.
