Espanyol vs Zaragoza preview - Moreno lauds boss Pochettino

Posted Sunday, February 12, 2012 by PA

Defender Hector Moreno is hoping that Espanyol can keep manager Mauricio Pochettino beyond the current campaign despite rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

Los Pericos' unexpected challenge for a Champions League place has this week seen Pochettino emerge as a serious candidate should Jose Mourinho leave Madrid in the summer.

Moreno told the club's website, "He is achieving very important things at this club but everyone has their own plans for the future. If it is something that he feels will improve him then he deserves it, but if you are asking me I hope he stays here for a long time to come."

The Mexican is also wary of escalating expectations ahead of this weekend's side against bottom club Real Zaragoza.

"We work hard every day and believe in our ability, but I don't think Zaragoza will be inferior. Maybe in the table they are but they have a necessity to pick up points and that makes them more dangerous than any other opponent at this time."

Pochettino's options in forward areas are again limited as Juan Albin has suffered a minor recurrence of the injury that kept him out for four months last year.

Alvaro Vasquez is nearing a return but is unlikely to be involved, however Coutinho and Kalu Uche both made their debuts last weekend and should feature.

Zaragoza's chances of getting out of trouble are fading rapidly after last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Rayo Vallecano saw them slip 11 points away from safety. Manolo Jimenez's men have also not won a league match since the middle of October, but midfielder Tomislav Dujmovic insists that while survival is still an option they will continue to fight.

He told Efe, "We know our chances are slim, but while it is still possible to stay up we will fight to achieve our objective of staying in the league.

"Each one of us knows the situation we are in, but as an individual we can't do anything, the strength has to be found within the group."

Javier Paredes has been cleared to play after his fifth yellow card of the season against Rayo was rescinded. However, Carlos Aranda misses out through injury so Helder Postiga will start as the lone striker with former Espanyol favourite Luis Garcia in support.