Post by Bismarck on Jan 26, 2008 16:47:09 GMT
SANTANDER, January 26 (Primera Liga) - Racing Santander coach Marcelino Garcia Toral will pit his wits against a third different Real Zaragoza coach in as many weeks on Sunday when the two sides clash at El Sardinero.
When Racing faced Zaragoza in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie on January 9 Victor Fernandez was still holding sway at La Romareda, but by the time of the return leg a week later he had been sacked and replaced by Ander Garitano.
Garitano, the former youth team coach of Zaragoza, lasted just seven days and two games before stepping down though, and he was replaced earlier this week by ex-Deportivo La Coruna and Racing boss Javier Irureta, who has been put in charge until the end of the season.
One of Irureta's first tasks will be to try to beat Racing and in the process avenge their Copa del Rey exit at the hands of the Cantabrian side, where Zaragoza lost 5-3 on aggregate despite taking the lead in both legs.
Racing were paired with Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals, and having won the first leg 2-0 on Thursday they are now firm favourites to advance to the last four when the pair clash again next week at San Mames.
Before that match is the home game against Zaragoza, where sixth-placed Racing will look to keep the pressure up on Espanyol who are four points above in fifth spot.
With yet another new coach at the helm, it is tough to predict how Zaragoza will perform at El Sardinero, but Marcelino does not believe they will be that much different from previously.
``To introduce a different style you need time. Only with work and training can you chance the style and ideas,'' said the Racing coach.
However, that does not mean Marcelino is expecting an easy game against a Zaragoza side who, despite their troubles this season, still boast some of La Liga's most feared players - including strike duo Diego Milito and Ricardo Oliveira, who have netted 21 league goals between them already.
``It will be difficult. Up front they have three extraordinary players, who can make you pay for the slights error,'' added Marcelino, who is without injured forward Pedro Munitis but welcomes back Ayoze Diaz from suspension.
Zaragoza have gone for experience in their bid to climb back up towards the European places, with Irureta having coached more games in the top flight than any other manager except current Spain trainer Luis Aragones.
The 59-year-old Irureta, who also counts Real Sociedad, Celta Vigo, Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis among his former clubs, has a testing job on his hands to get Zaragoza back on track, though.
Zaragoza may have beaten Real Murcia last weekend but that was their first league win since October, and they go into this weekend's fixtures in 11th spot, three points above the relegation and seven adrift of the top six.
``We have the potential to move up this season and finish higher in the league,'' said Irureta.
Pablo Aimar and Luis Carlos Cuartero are missing through injury for Zaragoza, Roberto Ayala is suspended, while Francelino Matuzalem and Andres D'Alessandro have been left out.
When Racing faced Zaragoza in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie on January 9 Victor Fernandez was still holding sway at La Romareda, but by the time of the return leg a week later he had been sacked and replaced by Ander Garitano.
Garitano, the former youth team coach of Zaragoza, lasted just seven days and two games before stepping down though, and he was replaced earlier this week by ex-Deportivo La Coruna and Racing boss Javier Irureta, who has been put in charge until the end of the season.
One of Irureta's first tasks will be to try to beat Racing and in the process avenge their Copa del Rey exit at the hands of the Cantabrian side, where Zaragoza lost 5-3 on aggregate despite taking the lead in both legs.
Racing were paired with Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals, and having won the first leg 2-0 on Thursday they are now firm favourites to advance to the last four when the pair clash again next week at San Mames.
Before that match is the home game against Zaragoza, where sixth-placed Racing will look to keep the pressure up on Espanyol who are four points above in fifth spot.
With yet another new coach at the helm, it is tough to predict how Zaragoza will perform at El Sardinero, but Marcelino does not believe they will be that much different from previously.
``To introduce a different style you need time. Only with work and training can you chance the style and ideas,'' said the Racing coach.
However, that does not mean Marcelino is expecting an easy game against a Zaragoza side who, despite their troubles this season, still boast some of La Liga's most feared players - including strike duo Diego Milito and Ricardo Oliveira, who have netted 21 league goals between them already.
``It will be difficult. Up front they have three extraordinary players, who can make you pay for the slights error,'' added Marcelino, who is without injured forward Pedro Munitis but welcomes back Ayoze Diaz from suspension.
Zaragoza have gone for experience in their bid to climb back up towards the European places, with Irureta having coached more games in the top flight than any other manager except current Spain trainer Luis Aragones.
The 59-year-old Irureta, who also counts Real Sociedad, Celta Vigo, Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis among his former clubs, has a testing job on his hands to get Zaragoza back on track, though.
Zaragoza may have beaten Real Murcia last weekend but that was their first league win since October, and they go into this weekend's fixtures in 11th spot, three points above the relegation and seven adrift of the top six.
``We have the potential to move up this season and finish higher in the league,'' said Irureta.
Pablo Aimar and Luis Carlos Cuartero are missing through injury for Zaragoza, Roberto Ayala is suspended, while Francelino Matuzalem and Andres D'Alessandro have been left out.