Zaragoza vs Espanyol preview - Zaragoza boss wants home improvement

Posted Saturday, January 26, 2013 by PA

Real Zaragoza manager Manuel Jimenez wants his side to give their home supporters more to cheer this season, starting against Espanyol on Saturday.

Currently 13th in the Primera Division, Zaragoza have only picked up nine points at home so far this campaign, losing six of nine matches.

Espanyol have struggled away from home, though, and Jimenez wants everyone involved with Zaragoza to turn La Romareda into a fortress.

"We have to go all together, players and fans, and get that La Romareda roar," he said.

"We have played well in home games, but our fans deserve better."

Although they sit above their visitors in the table Jimenez is expecting a tough test from an improved Espanyol side.

"They are a team coming up in form, highly motivated and confident," he said.

"The points are going to be very important, starting with this game.

Espanyol coach Javier Aguirre has admitted the absence of captain Joan Verdu for the clash is a big loss.

Aguirre, who managed Zaragoza before taking charge of struggling Espanyol in November, has now guided the club to 15th but the Catalan side have won just once on the road all season.

Verdu, 29, is banned for the trip to Zaragoza and Aguirre knows his skipper will be missed.

"We have no other players with his characteristics," he said. "We will miss him because he is our captain and is very important in the dressing room."

In a similar plea to his side as that issued by Jimenez, Aguirre is also urging his players to win for the travelling supporters.

"We owe it the fans," he said.

"We need to get the three points on the road because every time there are less league games remaining."