Espanyol are preparing to face Getafe in their last match before the league’s break for international games. The team is under pressure to end their run of 11 matches without a victory. Their last win was on December 22nd, a 2-1 victory in San Mamés. Since then, they have had seven defeats and four draws.
Espanyol’s Coach Aims to Revert the Situation
Manolo González is relying on his team’s hard work to turn things around. The situation is not yet critical, with Espanyol in 8th place, four points from European qualification and 11 above the relegation zone. Getafe, who are 9th with two points less, visit the RCDE Stadium where they have not won in 13 seasons, since 2013.
González said the game is important because a win would take them to almost 40 points. He stated that 40 points would almost guarantee their safety and allow them to go into the break more relaxed. He added that the main thing is to feel like winners again, as they did in the first half of the season.
Controversy Over Refereeing and Scheduling
The Espanyol coach expressed his dissatisfaction with recent refereeing decisions, particularly in the match against Mallorca. He also raised concerns about the scheduling of three consecutive away games against Betis, Barcelona and Rayo.
González commented that the team was negatively impacted by the Mallorca game. He stated that they felt they had the match under control until Charly’s expulsion. He added that the team is strong and eager to win, and that they deserve more than they have achieved in the second half of the season.
González stated that he does not understand why the Federation has scheduled three consecutive away games in the middle of the second half of the season. He reiterated his feeling that Espanyol are being disadvantaged by the referees, the schedule, and the timings.
Team Focus and Mental Strength
González stated that the team is focused on competing and overcoming adversity and that they are not looking for excuses. He added that the team is frustrated by their recent lack of wins. He believes the team is mentally strong and has not given up at any point.
He said a positive is that the team has been better than their opponents when the match has been normal. He also mentioned negative aspects that have led to losses, such as the expulsions in the Elche and Mallorca games. González stated that being down to 10 men only happened once last year, but has happened to them more often this year.
Espanyol will be looking to secure a victory against Getafe before the league takes a break.