Osasuna vs Zaragoza preview - Mendilibar challenges Osasuna

Posted Sunday, October 23, 2011 by PA

Osasuna boss Jose Luis Mendilibar has called on his side to take the game to Real Zaragoza as they bid for a first Primera Division win since the opening day of the season.

Osasuna lost 3-1 to Athletic Bilbao on Monday night, their fifth match without a win, to slip to 15th in the table.

Mendilibar told the club's website, "We have to change the dynamic of our game from the last few matches.

"We have the capabilities because we have showed them in the past, of getting on the front foot, pressing the opposition and forcing them back.

"That is what we can do and what we have to do. Osasuna throughout its history has made its name from overwhelming the opposition, through its instinct and its will to win."

Defender Roversio Rodrigues will be sidelined for up to a month after aggravating a thigh injury against Bilbao, while Jon Echaide and Masoud Shojaei are both still out and Roland Lamah is suspended after his red card at the San Mames.

Lamah's place on the left of midfield is expected to be taken by Ibrahima Balde, while Lolo replaced Roversio against Athletic and should start.

Zaragoza goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez has been the club's star performer so far this season, having returned to the club on a permanent deal from Benfica in the summer.

And he is relishing an intimidating atmosphere at Osasuna.

"I am used to playing with pressure and I enjoy games with a hostile crowd because it creates more of a spectacle," he said.

"I am motivated by the pressure they create because I don't like playing in an empty or quiet stadium.

"After drawing away at Villarreal and then winning against Real Sociedad we have taken an important step forward and to get a victory in Pamplona would be fantastic."

Coach Javier Aguirre is likely to name the same team that defeated Real Sociedad 2-0 last weekend.