Zaragoza Turn to Former Player to Sort Things Out
By: Martha | January 15th, 2008
Real Zaragoza manager Victor Fernandez was sacked left the club by mutual consent after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Mallorca, a result that left them 12th in the table, and a long way from fulfilling the expectations created by last season’s sixth place finish. The solution, apparently, is Ander Garitano, who has been working in the team’s youth set-up since retiring in 2002 after a long career in Spain that included six years with Zaragoza — he was appointed to the position yesterday, though the press reports that the job is his “until the end of the season” seems awfully optimistic.
As for Garitano himself, he’s full of optimism, which is a sign of either madness or his appropriateness for the gig. In talking to the press yesterday ahead of his official introduction as gaffer (that comes today), the 38-year-old was bubbling over with self-belief, saying “I don’t have the slightest doubt that I am capable of taking over. I have confidence that the team we have put together can change things moving forward. I will work morning, afternoon and night to improve the situation.” Sweet! UEFA Cup, here they come!
Garitano has watched the team play a lot this season, obviously, but has had limited contact with the senior side, so the advantage of appointing someone from inside isn’t as great as one might think. He does, however, already know where he’s going to start: “Going forward the team looks great, but defensively things need to improve.” Gee, ya think? What was your first clue? Was it those 32 goals conceded, perhaps? Or maybe the fact that ONLY ONE TEAM IN THE ENTIRE LEAGUE has given up more goals? And that it’s Levante? And that they’re leading the Worst Sieve races by a mere three goals? Yeah, I’m thinking the defense is a good place to start.
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Tags: Ander Garitano, Real Zaragoza, Scottish Premier League, Spain La Liga, Victor Fernandez, World FootballSubscribe
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