When I arrived in Zaragoza a little more than two years ago, I knew very little of Real Zaragoza apart from their mythical European Cup Winners Cup win over Arsenal in 1995 and THAT goal from Nayim which turned David Seaman into a blubbering wreck and propelled the ex-Tottenham midfielder into footballing folklore. They had finished a very respectable 6th in the 2006/2007 season, even smashing six past Real Madrid in a cup tie, and the UEFA Cup awaited.Agapito Iglesias, the man with the plan, had spent big and I witnessed the arrivals of Ricardo Oliveira, Roberto Ayala and Matuzalem. They had a wide array of world-class talent with Diego Milito a guaranteed goal machine and Sergio García rapidly making a name for himself on the right wing. It was their 75th anniversary, there was genuine excitement around the club and a feeling that they were on the edge of greatness.
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But what an absolutely disastrous season 2007/2008 was. The first match was a sign of things to follow as they succumbed to a miserable away defeat to Murcia. They were promptly knocked out of the UEFA Cup by Aris of Greece and almost knocked out of the Spanish Cup by little Pontevedra. Sergio Garcia saved them that night with an injury time goal, but they went out straight after to Racing Santander. Without Milito, Oliveira and Sergio Garcia they would have been down by Christmas. Players such as Gabi and Luccín offered nothing in midfield except mindless 'huff and puff', and Cesar (now enjoying a swansong in Valencia) was left exposed by a defence that made a habit of committing comic errors. They promptly sacked Victor Fernandez, considered only months previously as one of the most promising managers in Spain. Ander Garitano and Javier Irureta both came and went in quick succession, before they went down on the final day of the season in Mallorca with local hero Manolo Villanova in charge.
Having negotiated 'La Segunda' last year, albeit in unconvincing fashion, what's different this time around? The truth is not much, except that there were no pre-season expectations, there was no UEFA Cup to be knocked out of and their strikeforce is considerably weaker. 14 games, 8 defeats and 12 points is the story so far. They lie in the relegation zone and have been given hidings in Barcelona, Sevilla and Mallorca. This time the promising manager sacked has been Marcelino as Eduardo Bandrés and his crew of spineless executives demonstrate they have learned nothing from two years ago. Marcelino is a good man and a fantastic manager, but not even Ferguson or Wenger could steer this ship with such a useless board behind them. The unfortunately named Jose Aurelio Gay takes charge temporarily. Bernd Schuster has already politely declined the chance to wreck his reputation and the current frontrunner are highly-rated Rayo Vallecano manager, Pepe Mel, and ex-Zaragoza coach Victor Muñoz. They do like turning to former managers in times of need.
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Whoever takes over has a gargantuan task on his hands. The loss of Nigerian striker Ikechukwu Uche to injury has been devastating, with Arizmendi not capable of filling his goalscoring boots. Jermaine Pennant has faded after a bright start. The centre of defence is made up of an ageing Ayala and a woefully inadequate Pavon, and it's no secret that that's where the problem lies, along with their hopeless away form which has dragged on for nigh on three years now. January is the perfect opportunity to strengthen the back-four, but with a debt of €70 million and a fair chunk of cash owed to Marcelino in compensation, the kitty will be bare. For the fans it must be heartbreaking to see a team with such a fantastic tradition, a club which has nurtured the likes of David Villa, Cafu and Frank Rijkaard, on it's knees in such humilliating fashion. Next up is a daunting trip to Real Madrid, and they will do well to keep the score respectable. Although there is hope in the form of promising youngsters Victor Laguardia, Ander Herrera, Kevin Lacruz and Alex Sanchez, it will take a brave man to take on this sinking giant.
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