Real Madrid vs Zaragoza preview - Mourinho in line for 100th win
Posted Saturday, November 03, 2012 by PA
Jose Mourinho will go in search of a 100th win in charge of Real Madrid as his side look to continue their La Liga resurgence at home to Real Zaragoza.
Mourinho's two and a half years at the Bernabeu have largely been a success, winning the Copa del Rey in his first season in charge before ending the dominance of Barcelona in the Primera Division in 2011/12.
But the defence of that crown started badly with Madrid winning just one of their opening four games. Their form has improved since with four wins and a draw - in El Clasico against Barca - in their last five outings.
And should they claim the three points tomorrow Mourinho would bring up a century of victories in all competitions in just his 133rd game.
Although his record is hugely impressive, life has not always been straightforward for Mourinho at Madrid.
Failure to land the Primera Division crown in his first season in charge and power struggles at the Bernabeu have led to occasional whispers he would walk out and seek a return to England, where he previously managed Chelsea.
But the Portuguese insists he has never contemplated quitting, telling Ronda Ibera magazine: "I have never thought of resigning.
"There have been moments of anguish on a social level but nothing more than that.
"Very specific things like my son cannot go to college without others knowing who he is. Or my wife has to tell me to stay in the car while she goes shopping in a store.
"But that is simply the price I have to pay for doing a profession that I love."
Mourinho is set to revert to his first-choice side for tomorrow's clash with Zaragoza after resting several key players for the Copa del Rey win at Alcoyano in midweek.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso will all come back in although Mourinho will have to decide whether to recall striker Karim Benzema following his two goals on Wednesday night.
Zaragoza are on a fine run themselves and have won their last three games, including Wednesday's 1-0 Copa win over Granada.
Defender Alvaro Gonzalez claims he and his team-mates will have no fear at the Bernabeu and will try to spring a surprise.
He said at a press conference: "We have nothing to lose but we know it will be difficult.
"To beat Madrid they have to have a bad day and you have to have a good day.
"We want to go to the Bernabeu to give joy to ourselves and the fans...anything is possible."
Gonzalez knows Zaragoza will have to excel defensively if they are to take anything from the game.
He added: "Defensively, we are doing well. We have lined up with three different central defensive partnerships and won all three games.
"But we have to continue as we haven't done anything yet."
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