Sporting Gijon midfielder Ricardo Leon Brito believes that Javier Clemente's appointment as manager has helped to give the squad a clean slate before the run-in towards the end of the season.
Racing Santander host Sporting Gijon in a six-pointer at the bottom of the Primera Division.
Sporting Gijon midfielder Ricardo Leon Brito believes that Javier Clemente's appointment as manager has helped to give the squad a clean slate before the run-in towards the end of the season.
The Asturian side currently lie six points from safety but face fellow relegation candidates Racing Santander tomorrow and Ricardo knows how important a victory is if Sporting are to give themselves a chance of survival.
He told the club's website: "With the change of manager those who weren't involved that much start again at zero, with a chance to return and play.
"We have to face the Racing game with calm and despite knowing the importance that it has, the league doesn't end on Saturday.
"However they are a direct rival and they will be down there fighting with us until the end of the season. A victory, especially after the good feeling that we had after the game against Atletico Madrid (1-1), would give us a lot of confidence."
Ricardo could be handed his chance to start as Andre Castro is suspended, but Ivan Hernandez should return from injury to partner Alberto Botia in central defence and youngster Pedro Orfilla continues to deputise for the injured Alberto Lora at right-back.
Racing striker Jairo Sampeiro however believes the match is just as important for Racing to make ground on the sides just above the relegation zone.
The Spain Under-21 international is fit again after missing the last two games with an ankle injury and he is desperate to return to action.
He told the club's website: "It is important that all the players are at 100% and at the disposal of the coach to face the really important games we have coming up.
"It is vital that we win against Sporting to improve our position and move closer to safety, but there is a great equality between many of the sides in the table and we will continue fighting to achieve our objective come May."
Domingo Cisma is suspended after his red card against Real Madrid last weekend, but top-scorer Christian Stuani should return from his ban to lead the line in attack.
Best Bet:
Racing Santander and Sporting Gijon to draw - 23/10
