Full name: Real Zaragoza
Nickname: Los Manos
Established: 1932
President: Agapito Iglesias
Manager: Javier Aguirre
Stadium: La Romareda (34,956)
Titles:
(9) 6 x Copa del Rey, 1 Spanish Supercup, 1 European Cup Winners Cup, 1 UEFA Fairs Cup
Website: www.realzaragoza.com
After two years of agony in La Segunda, Real Zaragoza regained La Liga status at the end of 2009/2010, although they very nearly lost it once again at the first time of asking. In the bottom three with only one match remaining, it took two goals from midfielder Gabi to register a 1-2 win at Levante, and with that came one more year in the top flight. With their desperate financial situation having been stabilised by Agapito Iglesias, and continuity in the manager’s office with Javier Aguirre continuing into the new season, Real Zaragoza fans can begin to look forward with some optimism.
That optimism maye have been tainted with the sales of Gabi and Ander Herrera, two important figures on and off the pitch, though deadline day signings of Luis Garcia and Helder Postiga bring hope. Veterans Diogo, Jiri Jarosik, Edmilson, Jorge Lopez and Boutahar have not been given new contracts and Nicolo Bertolo, Sinama-Pongolle and Marco Perez all return to their respective clubs after loan spells. The many changes see Real Zaragoza in search for a new identity as we enter 2011/2012.
With sheer effort and compromise likely to be the two pillars on which Javier Aguirre builds his team, the Mexican will also be forced to turn to youth. The four earlier summer signings all point towards a youthful Zaragoza lineup, as Edu Oriol and Abraham join from Barcelona B and David Mateos and Juan Carlos jump over from Real Madrid. Javier Aguirre has also brought over a couple of his countrymen in Pablo Barrera and Efrain Juarez, but many at La Romareda still feel the squad is too thin to prevent another relegation dogfight. Forward Uche has left for Granada and there is a distinct lack of creativity in the middle. A season of struggle awaits.
Squad
Goalkeepers:
13 Roberto
25 Leo Franco
Defenders:
2 Efrain Juarez
3 Javier Paredes
4 David Mateos
5 Maurizio Lanzaro
6 Fernando Meira
14 Paulo da Silva
21 Abraham
22 Adam Pinter
24 Ivan Obradovic
Midfielders:
11 Juan Carlos
16 Pablo Barrera
17 Angel Lafita
18 Ruben Micael
20 Franco Zuculini
23 Leonardo Ponzio
29 Kevin Lacruz
Forwards:
7 Braulio
8 Edu Oriol
9 Helder Postiga
10 Luis Garcia
26 Jorge Orti
27 Joel VaΙencia
