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González: "The team showed great character"

The coach reacts to the 3-2 home win over RCD Mallorca

RCD Espanyol coach Manolo González had experienced a nervous second half against RCD Mallorca, and in his press conference stated that he is very proud of his players for their performance when down to 10 men.

“We were the better side and dominated the first half. We almost lost a game we had under control due to what happened in just three minutes. The team showed great character,” he told the media in his post-match press conference.

“The team played very well in the first half. We did some very good things, but in the second half we deserved a lot of credit. When it was 11 against 11, we were better than Mallorca. The penalty wasn't an outrageous decision -neither of them were. The sending-off hurt us, not the referee.”

The Espanyol coach emphasised that “I understand the excitement, but there's still a long way to go this season. Details are very important in the Primera División. There's still a lot of work to be done. If we get to 40 points, we'll enjoy it. Let's take things step by step and let the club grow gradually.”

“I’m very happy that the fans are cheering for the team. They are completely behind the squad. There are people who will do better because of this. It will help if the fans cheer for the team.”

Finally, he added that “when you are coming off victories, you relax. You have to have this mentality all year round. If you saw us train… the games are tremendous. Without the players, we are nobody, and they have the desire to improve. Anyone who isn't at the right level has no chance of playing.”

“We have to be demanding, with a clear mind. If we demand too much of ourselves, we can’t get things right. We have to grow with a clear mind.”