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A matter of mentality
Darder believes that the team needs to improve in some aspects, but said that "they are top in effort and they are humble too"
Sergi Darder has full confidence in Espanyol’s project. He knows that the team "is under construction" but has no doubt about his decision to leave Olympique de Lyon and return to Espanyol. "I am very happy with what I have done. It is true that we all expected to be in a better position, but I do not regert about my come back" he added.
He said that last weekend's match in Las Palmas was disappointing, but he prefers to focus on the positive things. "I prefer to point out the good first half we did and we were fine except for the last ten minutes. I think that each one of us is mature enough to know what was done well and what was done wrong, but I also believe that this team is humble and deploy a tremendous effort".
He points out that the team must improve in many aspects, but points out that "right now the problem is more mental than physical. For example, the last three classified teams do not look like the three worst squads, but if you get into a negative dynamic it is difficult to leave. If you're mentally strong, the rest is better".
He said that he still has to "improve and learn. I am self-critical and when the results do not quite arrive, we have to look for a little more effectiveness. The important thing is to win. When two or three wins come, I'm sure we'll play better".
He applauds President Chen Yanseng's willingness to always look to the top of the rankings. "Now you can not consider, as a realistic goal, to classify for the Champions League or win the League, but that is something that goes in the long term. We are here to work, to improve and I like to hear those words. I like to have an optimistic president with goals".
He insists that "we are too generous in the effort and that makes everyone want to do their best. I'm sure and so we have commented with some team-mates, that if we had 10 more points, with the 0-2 of the other day you do not lose or you are afraid to lose".
Finally, about this Friday's match against At. Madrid said that "it is important to win and more when there is this break and then we start again with the Cup. We know the difficulty of the opponent but we would like to end the year with a victory because that would give us a tremendous confidence".