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González: "I think it's the best game we've played"
The coach reflects positively on the draw with Valencia CF
RCD Espanyol coach Manolo González gave a positive analysis of the match against Valencia CF, stating that it was the best showing of the season so far, despite ending in a draw.
“We started poorly; they threw us off balance at the start. We corrected that, and from then on, we were the better side. I think it's the best game we've played. We had chances to win and almost lost,” he told journalists in his post-match press conference.
The coach noted that “we tweaked some things and got better as a result, and we finished the game in the opponent's area. It was the best game of the season for us, and one of the best I've had since I arrived.”
“You score at the end, and it seems like you should be grateful for the draw. When you create chances, you have to score them. Based on the game and the situations, taking away a 15 minute spell, we deserved more. This will make us better, so it doesn't happen again. Watching the game, it would have been very unfair for us to have lost. I'm proud of the team for interpreting the changes, believing in them, and the rhythm they went on toset. They believe in the way they play, and little by little, things are coming together. We have to continue on this path and be brave, even though sometimes it's going to cost us a game,” he stated.
González also defended Javi Puado's performance, saying that “If we are arguing about Javi, then we may as well give up. The club have given a lot to Javi, but he has also given a lot to Espanyol. For me, he's a very important player. I've known him since he was a youth player and I have suffered against him, and now, luckily, I have him on my side.”