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González: “We have to compete at our best”

The coach wants his team to be "mentally strong" against Real Madrid

Manolo González was in the press room ahead of RCD Espanyol's game against Real Madrid on Saturday, and was clear about his approach to the game.

“We have to compete at our best. I want us to stand up to Real Madrid and be mentally strong, no matter how many setbacks we might receive. It will be a demanding game," he told journalists.

He also insisted that the team need to “defend as well as possible, stick together and be well organised."

"We have to defend well for every minute of the game and attack intelligently because they are a team that you can hurt, just like any other.”

The coach explained that “during the week you look at how to have the perfect game, but the reality will arrive tomorrow from 9:30pm onwards. Real Madrid are one of the best teams in LaLiga when it comes to running. And if you give them space, they can tear you apart. Attacking well is very important, but we also have to be organised when we lose the ball.”

The coach is also well aware that Real Madrid are "one of those teams with special talent. They are players who have been chosen for their physical, technical and mental qualities. We have to show personality and not let them dictate the game. We have to withstand adversity throughout the match. If we do that, we will have a chance of winning.”