Racing Santander vs Villarreal preview - Gonzalez ready for battle

Posted Saturday, December 03, 2011 by PA

Racing Santander interim manager Juanjo Gonzalez has said his side must show their battling qualities if they are to move off the bottom of the table with a win against Villarreal.

Gonzalez takes charge for the first time since Hector Cuper resigned on Tuesday after only one win in 13 games during his five-month spell at the club.

He told Marca: "We have to show that we are still alive. The spirit will grow with results but my first job this week has been to make us a group."

However Gonzalez recognised that Racing face a tough task against a rejuvenated Villarreal who are beginning to find their best form after a bad start to the campaign.

"They are improving and have got a lot of important people back. It will be a difficult match as they are starting to get their confidence back."

Racing right-back Francis has not recovered from the muscle injury that forced him to be substituted in last weekend's defeat at Real Mallorca, whilst Kennedy Bakircioglu, Jairo Samperio and Lautaro Acosta are all still out.

On the contrary, Villarreal's injury crisis seems to be easing. Cani and Nilmar are back in the squad for the first time in over a month and Marcos Senna could start after making his return as a second-half substitute against Malaga on Monday.

Villarreal coach Juan Carlos Garrido has said he has been happy with the Yellow Submarine's improvement over the past few weeks but knows now they must start winning games on a consistent basis to move up the table.

"What we need is to go to Santander and win, these three points are vital and therefore have to be our primary objective. The team has improved but that will only be seen if we win matches," he told the club's website.

"It is good news to have more players available in training and in the squad on matchdays. It creates optimism because, without doubt, to have players like Nilmar, Cani and Marcos Senna is key for the team. Nilmar's recovery is especially important due to the problems we have had in attack. He allows us to become a better team with more options in attacking areas."