Zaragoza vs Atletico de Madrid - Aguirre shows support for Sanchez Flores

Posted Saturday, February 19, 2011 by PA

Zaragoza coach Javier Aguirre has backed his Atletico Madrid counterpart, Quique Sanchez Flores, ahead of the sides' Primera Division clash at La Romareda.

Sanchez Flores is under pressure following four consecutive league defeats and former Atletico coach Aguirre knows exactly what he is going through.

The Mexican manager led Atletico to a Champions League place in his second season in charge at the Vicente Calderon, but was dismissed after a seven-match winless run which saw his team drop to seventh place in February 2009.

Two years on, Atletico's league position - 11th - is far worse, but Aguirre believes continuity will bring success to his former club.

"All coaches have been questioned at some stage," he said.

"Even (Barcelona coach Pep) Guardiola was on his debut in Soria (when his side lost to promoted club Numancia).

"Quique has them given two titles (the Europa League and the European Supercup) in a short space of time and that is very difficult to achieve.

"He deserves all the respect and support from the fans because I think Atletico are in very good hands."

And Aguirre is wary of his former side, despite their recent poor run.

"They have a lethal attack and we'll have to try and stop then from receiving the ball in those positions," he said.

"But we're playing at home and we're obliged to win all of our games (here)."

Aguirre welcomes backs striker Ikechukwu Uche from a long spell on the sidelines, but will be without Ander Herrera (suspended) and Angel Lafita (injured).

Sanchez Flores, meanwhile, is concerned with his players' state of mind ahead of tomorrow's game.

"In the last few weeks I have been worried with their state of mind; they can't give in," he said.

"This club has a history of getting into problems - it's capable of the best and the worst."

Diego Godin is suspended and Mario Suarez misses out through injury, but Filipe Luis, Tomas Ujfalusi and Elias Mendes return.