“It’s clear that this is a special clash, I expect we’ll experience an electric atmosphere, a football party that catches our players. We need to be able to return our crowd their passion and excitement,” stated Ziganda ahead of his side’s clash against Real Zaragoza, which is expected to be in front of a packed and boisterous atmosphere at El Alcoraz. And the boss added: “The players are really motivated and can’t wait for Sunday. Besides, most of them are available, so there’s competition for places throughout the squad, which is positive for the group.”
When asked about Real Zaragoza, he expressed: “I expect them the same way they performed in our previous clash this season.” “They competed well in our last derby, so I expect they’ll be motivated and high-paced, tactically correct and rock solid in defence.”
In terms of the preceding encounter against them, “this has been our biggest stain so far, and it was in such an important and special game,” he admitted. “Trailing always hurts, but even more when it’s that clearly and a derby. However, that loss was an isolated case, we’re actually not that team. Besides, this time we’re playing at home and we must prove our vibe and strength we’ve displayed at El Alcoraz this whole season. We’ll need the push of the fans because we know our opponent. We cannot put in an average performance – We need to give our all.”
Regarding the Aragonese derby, and comparing it to others he has experienced, Ziganda replied: “I can feel that there’s more fellowship than in some other places. Many people live it from the sports rivalry, nothing further from that. I believe this is a beautiful, healthy and sportsmanlike competitiveness. This is the greatest difference I can tell. Anyway, when you lose you feel as bad as anywhere.”
