Ibai Gómez fires up Zaragoza: “Reminds me of Arenas”

Ibai Gómez looks at Real Zaragoza with optimism and, above all, with clear feelings. As Sport reports, the coach says what he’s seeing “reminds him a lot of the sensations” he had at Arenas de Getxo two seasons ago, when that side finished champion of Group 2 and won direct promotion.

Feelings that guide Zaragoza

According to Sport, Ibai highlighted that at Arenas the team had “the idea that everyone goes, everyone wants it”, with the ball moving “very fast”, while intensity “doesn’t drop” — a recipe he believes fits this Zaragoza as well. “The sensations are very good,” he said, insisting the key is to keep them “until the end of the season.”

He also noted, per Sport, that he’s seen the “three best training sessions” since he arrived and praised the team’s togetherness: players “for and with the teammate,” putting the unit first. “The block is above the individual,” he added.

A tough test in Ibiza

Sport also points to the near-term challenge: Zaragoza can go to Ibiza and chase a fourth straight win. Ibai’s message was about staying grounded — working this week so “the praise doesn’t weaken us” and keeping “feet on the ground,” because everyone expects to beat the team at the top.

On the opponent, the coach warned the match won’t be easy, describing Ibiza as a strong side with a “great coach” and players with experience in higher divisions. He played down any concerns about finishing, saying the team generates plenty of chances and that goals will come, adding that he doesn’t care who scores. Up front, Espiau is the one who has found the net so far, and Ibai expects it to arrive for the others too. He finished by stressing the club’s “differential” is the people and the atmosphere in the stadium.