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El Hilali: "It's important to never stop competing"
The defender talks about reaching 100 appearances for the club
Omar El Hilali experienced a bittersweet occasion last weekend. His 100th official appearance for RCD Espanyol was overshadowed by the defeat against Villarreal CF in LaLiga.
The defender spoke during the international break, and insisted to the media that "we have to work hard and focus on what we're not doing well, because we have things to improve. However, we must also turn our attention to the next match against Sevilla FC. It's a very difficult fixture, but we are determined to get the win."
He also took the time to recall his debut for Espanyol against Albacete four years ago.
"Since then I've been living a dream. It's the same as that of any kid who walks through the doors of the Ciudad Deportiva Dani Jarque. All I want to do is to play many more matches with the first team. I hope to continue doing so for many more years," he explained.
Now that the first third of the present LaLiga season is over, El Hilali says the most important thing is "our current league position."
"However, it's also important that the team have grit and never stop competing; we don't give up -no matter what happens in the game. That should lead us to win many games."
Regarding his surprise absence from the recently named Moroccan national team squad for their upcoming games, the fullback insisted that "I'm focused on Espanyol, on the day-to-day work, and on giving my all to get the win in the next game."
Finally, asked about Copa del Rey opponents CD At. Baleares, he emphasised that "the cup is a very special competition for Espanyol. Our goal is to win and advance to the next round. That's the objective."