“We can beat anyone”

Manolo Gonzaleztechnician RCD Espanyolis self-critical after the 1-4 win at the Santiago Bernabéu and is convinced of being able to achieve, against Villarrealthe third consecutive victory at home. “The belief is that we are capable of beating anyone,” said the native of Lugo in a press conference where he announced that he will not make many rotations. “Looking at Betis when there’s a game in the middle doesn’t make sense,” he said.

How is the nursing and team?

“If nothing happens now Everyone must be ready to be called. The team is angry with how we lost in the end, because we were in the game until 3-1. Screwed, because the team thought it could score there and in the end it got away from us, to our detriment. “Want to turn the situation around.”

Villarreal, a polarized team

“I see this as a team with great potential, with a coach who has been in the category for many years achieving great results. One day is not a game to lose 1-5 to Barça, far from it. Conditions appear which cause certain things to happen which are not entirely true.”

What the team learned at the Bernabéu

“You learned that you can play a very good game and compete against Madrid on a one-to-one basis for most of the game, but you can’t let yourself down. In any match in the First Division you cannot make big mistakes. We had the misfortune of having the team last for most of the game, but in the end we went away because of our mistakes at a certain point in the game. And that’s what you won’t allow in the First Division.”

Possible exchange of blows against Villarreal

“We are going to try to make it not like that. Such open matches become a lottery. And the normal thing is you applaud. We have to try to control the game as much as possible, considering that the opponent is difficult. And bring it to our land. The belief is that we can beat anyone. And that’s what we’re going out with tomorrow.”

Espanyol, a team that always competes

“The saying that you are always in games, that you can win them, is what we have to try. Let the team not let go. It is different to lose 4-1 at the Bernabéu in the 50th minute and there is no choice than the way team until the 80th minute. The perspective is different and we have to be a team that competes well. That the opponent who comes here has respect, and they don’t look at us like they did on matchday 1. We are very self-critical and it’s good that people appreciate that the team is competitive.”

Marcelino expects a close match

“I don’t dare say this. If Villarreal catch you in the open, they are hard to stop, very quick and vertical up front. We will try to make the game close for us and try to minimize, above all, the errors.”

Both teams lost

“I can speak for our part. We look forward to playing a good game. The other day, I wanted to see the faces of the players after the game. You go to the Madrid field and you know it could happen to you. We really thought we would win and score there. And the faces of the players looked like they were crazy. The feeling in the locker room is that we can compete with anyone.”

Points to improve against Villarreal

“Especially in continuously improving the things we need to win as a team. “Try for the new players to continue their adaptation period and for the team to get better every day, on a defensive and offensive level.”

Going for a third straight victory at home

“It is very important. Winning at home gives you permanence, more. Home games are important. Every game you win you have to celebrate and value it.”

Alejo Veliz, punished by rivals

“Alejo is good. He’s very young, he’s had a very long career and that’s the way he competes. It bothers us because he makes the center back uncomfortable, he wins a lot of duels, he generates a lot of second play… He comes out to compete and is focused on having a good year. In that aspect he is mature, you can see that he doesn’t protest too much.”

Special work to prevent injuries

“We did it last season. Before each training session there is prevention, there is personalized work for any player… Although it is also complicated, because the training sessions are demanding, we have a training method that makes the player tired. And you add that to playing three games when you come from a European Championship, playing 70 games last year… It’s something you have to look at. Otherwise we end up ruining the show. And the show is the players.

Very volatile matches

“They have very open, complicated games. When the rival sees that he is losing, he stretches and is less afraid of losing… This happens because it is matchday 6. It is not the same as matchday 37. The impact of the result is not the same. It balances out.”

What label would you give your Spanish?

“I want this to be a winner label. This is what I want and what will make us all happy. At least, if not one that will make the Spaniards feel proud of their team and go home happy.

If you are in favor of doing multiple rounds

“We will try to bring out the team that we think is best to face Villarreal. And then look at the Betis game depending on what happens tomorrow. “Looking at Betis when there’s a game in the middle doesn’t make much sense.”

The speed of the ‘groguets’ attackers

“We’re not a team that believes too much in pulling the offside line. More than anything else because you rely on a lot of variables. I think it gives a lot of benefit to your opponent in an action that can hurt you a lot. Trying we expect it all and protect our backs. Most teams attack at your back. Let them score the hardest goals for us.”