The team’s numbers are very bad. Accumulate six consecutive defeats, the second worst streak in its history after that of Rufete in the year of the last relegation. It is the second most thrashed team after the evicted Elche and has only won three home games this season. A drama about which Luis GarcÃa has managed to make green shoots emerge, but which must be endorsed in the form of points.
“Friday will be a great day,” the Asturian coach said convinced at a press conference, who, although he avoided qualifying the final clash, did not hide that it is a “fundamental” and “very important” duel. He also explained that the team gives off “tremendously positive things” and that a victory would mean “a tremendous moral and emotional boost” for everyone.
Against Betis, Espanyol offered a very different face. Brave with the ball, more purposeful and less defensive. He took a season-high 13 corners and finished plays with ease. “We hope to continue evolving during this day and the ones to come. We are increasingly clear about what we want to be and what we want to play forâ€, said the coach.
Currently, Espanyol is penultimate in the First Division standings with 27 points, the same as Valencia, eighteenth. As for the physical state of the squad, the coach confirmed the loss of right-back Brian Oliván: “He won’t make it, it’s a pity because he’s doing everything possible to be able to participate.”
In addition, the Brazilian midfielder Vini Souza has a foot injury and his presence in the squad is not certain. The absence of Brian Oliván could facilitate the entry into the starting eleven of Adrià Pedrosa. The coach defined him as an “extraordinary” and “determining” footballer and praised his verticality and his center.
On a technical level, the Asturian was “delighted” with the evolution of the block since his arrival and pointed out that his footballers are of the “highest level” and he has no problem assimilating his ideas.
Asked about the club’s initiative -free tickets, discounts and a prior meeting point- to fill the RCDE Stadium, Luis GarcÃa transferred the credit to the fans: “It’s not that Espanyol has turned, it has facilitated issues. Those who have overturned are the parrots, which are always there and never fail”.
In this sense, Luis GarcÃa highlighted the importance of “managing the game” on an emotional level because in the stands there will be “feeling and passion”. “We must be able to transmit very positive things and have a great mental balance, we can lose or win in minute 1 or 90,” he analyzed.