Zaragoza vs Deportivo La Coruna preview - Zaragoza focused on treble

Posted Sunday, January 23, 2011 by PA

Zaragoza will look to put their off-the-field problems to one side as they chase a third straight home win in the Primera Division.

The Aragonese outfit have won just three times in the league all season, but two of those victories have come in their last two matches at La Romareda and a third - against Deportivo La Coruna - would be likely to see Javier Aguirre's side move out of the bottom three.

Zaragoza have struggled all season and reports suggest the club is also experiencing problems off the pitch, with rumours of economic problems, late payments and a possible sale in the near future.

But Aguirre, who took over from previous coach Jose Aurelio Gay in November, says his players have been able to put all of that to one side.

"My players have been able to isolate themselves from the situation," he said.

"They are focused, serious and aware of the situation we are in."

Nevertheless, Aguirre expects a tough test against fellow strugglers Deportivo.

"Deportivo are a team that defend well, they are serious in defence and they have a player, Adrian (Lopez), who is in good form," he said.

"They are also very capable when it comes to set pieces.

"We need to play with a lot of patience and balance."

Deportivo are much-improved following a dismal start to the season, but the Galicians have now lost their last four matches in all competitions.

Miguel Angel Lotina's side crashed out of the Copa del Rey this week following back-to-back defeats against Almeria in the quarter-finals of that competition, while league losses to Barcelona and Valencia have left the club just five points clear of the drop zone at the Primera Division's halfway stage.

Lotina wants more commitment from his players.

"We have to fight for our lives, stick together and work a little bit harder," he said.

Riki and Andres Guardado are still out and will not feature.