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Diego Martínez: “A derby is something special”
The coach insists the importance of the game plan for the New Year's Eve derby
Diego Martínez looked ahead to the Barcelona derby in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
RCD Espanyol conclude 2022 with the derby against FC Barcelona on New Year’s Eve, making the short trip across town to the Camp Nou. Speaking at the RCDE Stadium, the míster emphasised the significance of the derby and how his team would approach it.
Martínez said, “We know it’s a special and unique match. There are matches like this against teams with a lot of potential. It will be an emotional and intense contest, but we must play with our heads and stick to our game plan”.
Espanyol will be without new signing César Montes who is ineligible to play before the transfer window opens. Speaking on Montes, the coach said, “César is an extra warrior, and we are aware that he is someone we needed for the squad”.
The team resume the LaLiga season following the World Cup break, almost two months since their last league outing. In the first of three matches in the next week, Espanyol will be keen to record a derby victory at the Camp Nou.
Martínez said, “The team is completely focused, the most important thing is us and our mental strength. It is how we execute our game plan; this is about the team rather than individuals. This team always competes, always gives its best and trains to the maximum.”
He concluded, “A derby is something special, I’m really excited for it. It’s a privilege and always an important match, but as Espanyol coach, it’s even more special. To get the three points, our team mentality must be to be able to win against any team at any ground”.