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Darder: “We are upset but optimistic”
The captain explains that every match that remains "is a war" with everything to play for
As the captain of RCD Espanyol, and in the midst of a difficult situation, Sergi Darder leads by example.
He has spoken openly and honestly about the current predicament the team finds themselves in, off the back of three consecutive defeats and on the edge of the relegation zone. The midfielder addressed the media at the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque as the international break got underway.
Darder said, “We are aware of the reality and that we are in a difficult moment of the season. We would like to be better, but if we blame each other, it will not help. The most important thing is to know where we are, raise our heads, and approach the remaining 12 matches with great enthusiasm. We are upset, but optimistic with what lies ahead”.
After a difficult month of March, Espanyol have 10 days to prepare for the next match, the Catalan derby away to Girona. The international break gives them valuable time to rest, regroup and work towards the final stretch of the season.
The captain continued, “We are self-critical and we do not rely on bad luck. We cannot hurt each other anymore, we need the unity that exists. The defeat the other day [against Celta] hurt us even more because we could not give back to the fans everything they gave us, we are indebted to them. I am convinced that things will work out. We have to change the small details.”
Darder concluded, “If there is one thing we have in the dressing room, it is unity from day one. The coaching staff has created a very solid foundation. I do not care if people do not believe me, but I feel that something has been built that cannot be seen on the outside, but inside there is a great union.
“Seeing that the players who do not play are involved, that the older ones feel an enormous responsibility. With this unity with the coaching staff and the Club, I am convinced that things will turn out well”.