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González: "Ambition makes us stronger"

The coach sets up the game against Girona FC

After an impeccable December in terms of results, RCD Espanyol squad are looking to return to the form they showed in the first half of the season and take another win this Friday against Girona FC.

Coach Manolo González outlined his approach to the Catalan derby, insisting that "it's just another game, but we know it will be difficult."

"We have to know how to set up for this match because the team are motivated to keep winning. Our ambition is making us strong, and that's good for raising the bar as a group."

For the coach, there are many key factors to contend with when facing Girona, but he praised the opposition, saying, "They have resources and high-level, game-changing players. It seems like people forget that we're in a league with a lot of talent in every team, and winning five games in a row is no easy feat. In my opinion, they have a great coach, and Michel has shown why they trusted him when things weren't going well."

González didn't want to dwell on past encounters with Girona in his pre-match press conference.

"We have to focus on this game. Now Girona are a more complete side. They had many injuries at the start of the season and players whose futures were uncertain. Now they have stability and are growing as a team. They have been improving week by week.”

The coach also acknowledged the strong connection RCD Espanyol have with the fans.

“I think a Friday game is better for our fans than a Monday one. I have no doubt they will come out in force, and we want them to continue being happy with the season we are having. The bond with our fans is vital, and the day we lose that, we will lose strength. We are not going to relax. We are going to try to win every match.”

Finally, he commented on Javi Puado's injury and the operation he underwent on Thursday.

“He was in the best form of his career, but now he is focused and he will come back stronger. We hope he recovers as well as possible. Obviously, we would like to dedicate a win to him tomorrow.”