“It’s an emotional game – we need to play with a heart.” That’s what Xisco Muñoz told us ahead of his side’s clash with Real Zaragoza at El Alcoraz tomorrow (18:15 CEST kick-off). The Majorcan will experience his first Aragon derby and, although he won’t be able to be on the bench due to the suspension he must serve, he talked about “a special game”. “The clash will be in front of a full El Alcoraz crowd, and that’s very attractive. It’s also emotional, we’ll have to make sure that our performance is up to scratch. We’ll face a side who are looking to maintain momentum and it’ll be little details that will make us win or lose – that’s what a derby is about,” he said.
“We’re going step by step, it’s important for us to maintain momentum at home. It’s a big moment for us and we want to continue growing,” added the boss. “We have to go out there as in the last matches – strong, together and determined. Everything is easier when we’re together.”
Emotional balance seems to be key to earn a valuable victory over Zaragoza, and Xisco appeals to his side’s experience: “We need to manage our emotions, nothing should affect our mood. The boys are ready, they’re mature and we’ll bring the necessary balance to the encounter.”
“I absolutely love derbies; they’re special, I used to love playing a derby as a player. It’s vital to play with all our heart and soul. Tomorrow everyone must set an example – we all should come to enjoy, to support our team and to be respectful. That’s what derbies are for, until the end,” concluded the manager.
