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2022/23 preview: Espanyol B begin season
Young pericos open campaign on Saturday
RCD Espanyol B begin the 2022/23 Segunda RFEF season on Saturday.
They host newly promoted UE Olot at the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque this weekend, as they aim to start the campaign as they mean to go on. It is an important year for Luis Blanco’s boys as they set their standards high for a solid season in the fourth division.
The squad
As is typically the case, Espanyol B is made up of very young players in a bid to give them experience at a competitive level. The average age is just 19.9 years-old, and just one player in the current squad is over the age of 22.
There are a number of key players who Blanco will look to turn to when needed. Luca Koleosho has already made two appearances for the first team, as the pacey winger continues his development with the B team as well as supporting the senior side.
Abde Damar has just arrived from Atlético Madrid and adds further attacking prowess, while midfielder Dani Villahermosa captains the side for the upcoming season.
Pre-season preparations
Espanyol B had a tricky start to pre-season, losing to second-tier side FC Andorra and then being edged out by AE Prat in their opening two tests. But by the turn of the month, the squad had gelled and found its feet again following the summer break.
The young pericos won all five friendlies in August, including 3-0 victories over CE Manresa and FE Grama, and a hard-fought 3-2 win against UE Sant Andreu.
It puts them in the perfect position for the season, full of confidence and in plenty of form to take on their league opponents.
Expectations
B team coach Luis Blanco has clearly laid out the team’s objectives, targeting promotion to the third tier as well as the continued development of the club’s young talent.
In an interview with Espanyol Media, which is available here, Blanco said, “We have many objectives that we have to focus on day-to-day and our intention is to remain as high as possible in the table.
“We cannot forget that we want to be a team that is close to the promotion spots, to try and earn promotion and that is the aim.”
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s opener, the coach said, “Pre-season has gone very well. The team has progressed a lot. We have established the foundations that we want for the season and in principle we believe that we are now in the best condition for the first game of the season.”