MALKY Mackay's men will be brushing up on their Spanish as they pack their bags for a week in the Mediterranean in July.

The squad are scheduled to meet two Spanish teams as part of their tour - Real Zaragoza and UE Lleida.

Zaragoza are the better known of the two, with a host of well-known former players and managers in their history. They also hold the honour of winning the UEFA Cup in 1995 under the stewardship of Victor Munoz (who also managed UE Lleida at one point).

The two teams will provide varied talent and opposition with the newly-promoted 'Blanquillos' preparing for their return to the Spanish top flight.

UE Lleida on the other hand, whose ground the Hornets will be based at during their time in Europe, are looking towards another year in Segunda B after finishing in a comfortable eighth place.

The Spanish leagues produce arguably some of the most flamboyant football in Europe and boasts some of the games' biggest names and successful managers.

Watford's week in Spain will therefore give the squad great experience in a country where the beautiful game is the nation's favourite sport.



Here are some basic facts behind the teams:

REAL ZARAGOZA

NICKNAMES: Blanquillos, Manos

CURRENTLY PLAY IN: La Liga

FINISHED LAST SEASON: Finished second in Segunda Division and were promoted to La Liga.

CURRENT MANAGER: Marcelino Garcia Toral

NOTABLE PLAYERS: David Villa (2003-5), Fernando Morientes (1995-7), Roberto Martinez (1994-5), Gus Poyet (1990-7), Nayim (1993-97)

NOTABLE MANAGERS: Ex-Spanish International midfielder Victor Munoz (2004-2006), former FC Porto manager who led Zaragoza to UEFA Cup Glory
in 1995, Victor Ferandez (1990-7, 2006-8).

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: UEFA Cup Winners Cup 1995

INTERESTING FACT: Former Real Zaragoza manager and Zaragoza-born Victor Munoz played with the club twice and returned as manager in 2004, after spending two years managing UE Lleida.

UE LLEIDA

NICKNAMES: Blaus (The Blues), De la Terra Ferma (The Firmlanders)

CURRENTLY PLAY IN: Segunda Divison B (third level of Spanish football)

FINISHED LAST SEASON: Eighth in Segunda B

CURRENT MANAGER: Emili Vicente

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Nakor Bueno, Vicente Fernández, Miguel Rubio, Mariano Azcona, Jovan Stanković, Goran Stanić, Renaldo, Carles Busquets

NOTABLE MANAGERS: Former Spurs, Real Madrid and Sevilla boss Juande Ramos (1997-8).

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS: Segunda Division: Winners 1993

INTERESTING FACT: In the 1993-94 season, UE Lleida returned to La Liga for the second time. Despite a 1-0 win over the FC Barcelona Dream Team at the Camp Nou and a 2-1 win at the Camp d´Esports over Real Madrid, UE Lleida only managed to win five other games and were relegated once again!