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“We dedicate this victory to our fans”
Abelardo says it was very important to win against Alavés
RCD Espanyol coach Abelardo Fernández was very pleased with the triumphant return to the competition and the team’s good game, and he did not miss the opportunity to dedicate the victory to the fans. “I think it was important to win this game: it was the first one, we played at home, and not only because of the score, but also because of the morale and seeing that we are going to fight. Aside from the red card, the team has shown ambition. They have not created any dangers for us and I am happy about it”, Abelardo pointed out.
As for playing behind closed doors without fans, the Asturian coach said that “we had played several training matches at the stadium and had experienced this situation. I think this benefits the coach because the players listen to me and they listen to each other. Anyway, I would have liked to have our fans. We think about the parakeets who have seen the game, we ask them to continue cheering us on, and we dedicate this victory to them”.
Abelardo added that “it was an important game. It was a tough opponent, who forces you to play to the limit and to stay focused. They put us under pressure, but the team has been very focused, knowing how to defend and attack. It is going to be tough at times, but we are going to pull together, and this victory gives us a morale boost for the next games”.