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González: "There’s plenty of room for improvement"
The coach's pre-match press conference
RCD Espanyol coach Manolo González was in conversation with the media on Friday, ahead of this Saturday’s big game against Atletico Madrid. His team come into the Matchday 9 fixture level with seven other teams, on eight points for the campaign.
"We’re in the same boat as many other sides. There’s plenty of room for improvement. We’ve scored in every game, but I believe we must always strive to get better -even if we were sitting in fifth place. That’s just what’s required of us,” he explained.
González admitted he was well aware that "if we don't win, there will be a debate about things. We need to improve, certainly, but the situation isn't dire. When you see these kinds of things as early as preseason, you realise that this is how the entire season is going to play out."
He insistred that "I know what kind of club I’m at. I’m fully aware of the level of expectation placed on a coach in the top flight. You have to live with that; I’m well aware of it. I’m not tired. I understand the fans' euphoria when things go well, and what happens when we lose."
Looking ahead, the coach remarked that Javi Puado’s involvement will be down to what happens in the game itself, rather than his fitness, and reflected on the draw against Malaga.
“We showed some very positive signs in the first half against Málaga. The downside was us failing to capitalise on the chances we created. Nothing is a mathematical certainty, but if we execute things well, we’ll have a chance to win this weekend -even though it’s going to be a demanding match."
"The dressing room is united, and we’re convinced that we’re going to have a good season. That’s our goal; that’s what we believe. We’re eager for the game to arrive so we can give the fans something to celebrate. My confidence in the team remains unshaken -I know they can get back to playing at the level we expect."