Espanyol vs Racing de Santander preview - Pochettino close to new deal

Posted Sunday, April 03, 2011 by PA

Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino is close to agreeing a new deal at the Catalan club.

Pochettino took over at Espanyol - where he spent two successful spells as a player - in early 2009 and steered the Barcelona-based side to safety.

Following a transitional season in his first full campaign in charge, Pochettino has turned the club into European contenders this term.

With nine Primera Division games remaining, Espanyol are currently in fifth place and the club are keen for Pochettino to carry on that good work by signing a new deal.

"I don't want to distract anyone by talking about that subject, but there won't be any type of problem or difficulty," Pochettino said.

"I'm open to anything the club want."

Pochettino believes his side will need 15 more points to secure a place in Europe and hopes to collect the first three of those with a win at home to Racing.

"I don't know how many points we will need. Maybe 58 will be enough, but we have to go little by little.

"If we can get three more against Racing, our aspirations will be intact."

Aldo Duscher and Javi Marquez look set to return from injury for the match, but Ivan De La Pena misses out again, along with Raul Baena, while Sergio Garcia is doubtful.

Racing returned to winning ways last weekend following four matches without a victory.

The Cantabrians' 2-1 win over Real Sociedad has left them four points clear of the drop zone and coach Marcelino hopes his side can move further clear with a win in Barcelona.

"It would be an important step," he said.

"We have to treat every game like a final now."

Oscar Serrano is sidelined for the rest of the season, while Francis is also out and Alexandros Tziolis is still working his way back from a long-term injury.