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“We have to compete better”
Luis García knows the significance of picking up a positive result this weekend against Real Valladolid
Back at the Stage Front Stadium for a crunch clash against Real Valladolid, Luis García insists that the focus is on improving day-by-day for the best results.
Espanyol come off the back of defeat on the road but have not had to wait long for a chance at redemption, as they host fellow relegated side Valladolid on Saturday night. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the coach explained that the pre-match preparations had been centred on his own team, rather than the other.
García said, “Our challenge is not to look at the opponent, but to improve ourselves every day. We have to compete better and, ultimately, grow as a team and as a Club. We do not have to focus on the external factors; we have the capacity to overcome any opponent that lies ahead”.
Consecutive away games means it feels like a mini reunion back at the Temple, and the gaffer is looking forward to being back with the home fans. “It's been almost a month since we played at home on a weekend”, he explained, “and I hope that it will be a good game and that the fans can enjoy it”.
Espanyol are without Antoniu Roca, Salvi Sánchez and Pol Lozano on Saturday, the latter coming off injured in Monday’s loss at Villarreal B. With a tough opponent in Valladolid in store and the Mágico aiming to regain top spot, there is a lot at stake this weekend.
García continued, “This is a very competitive league, and if a team achieves consistency they will rise up the table because a lot can happen in 42 days. We all know that there can be bad days because players are not robots and they can make mistakes, just like I make mistakes. We are self-critical, both in results for and against. Of the 10 games played so far, the last one was the only one in which we did not deserve to win”.
Asked to reflect on his first sixth months at the helm, the coach concluded, “I try to be better every day and help the team grow. I have the will to be able to build something in the club I want to be in. I am calm within the rollercoaster that is professional football”.