INTERVIEW-Soccer-Sabella steers Estudiantes towards major double

By Rex Gowar

LA PLATA, Argentina, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Alejandro Sabella will be relying on the rich heritage of Estudiantes as symbolised by the Veron family when his team attempt to become world club champions next month.

The coach also hopes the good momentum Estudiantes have in the Argentine Apertura championship will carry the team, led by Juan Sebastian Veron, through to two major titles by the end of the year.

Veron's father Juan Ramon was the most skilled member of the Estudiantes team that won the club's first three South American titles from 1968 to 1970 and the world crown when they beat Manchester United for the Intercontinental Cup in 1968.

"The club's philosophy is to fight to the end and all the players (in the squad) are prepared for that. It's the life philosophy we were taught in the club," Sabella said.

"The championship is red hot. We're alive, we're three points from the leaders," the former Sheffield United and Leeds United player told Reuters in an interview.

South American champions Estudiantes face a busy few weeks completing their Apertura programme early to head for Abu Dhabi for the Dec. 9-19 Club World Cup where they are favourites to meet Barcelona in the final.

Having beaten Argentine title holders Velez Sarsfield 3-0 on Sunday, Estudiantes travel to Rosario Central on Wednesday in the first of two matches brought forward from the end of the championship.