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Diego Martínez: “The players and fans have a tremendous connection”
The coach asserted the importance of the fans ahead of the visit of Osasuna
Diego Martínez spoke of the importance of the bond with the fans ahead of Saturday’s match with Osasuna.
RCD Espanyol take on a tough opponent this weekend in the opening match of the second half of the season. However they will do so with the backing of the fans at the RCDE Stadium, where the coach addressed the media in his pre-match press conference.
Speaking on Friday ahead of the clash, Martínez said, “These fans have always been with this team in the most difficult moments, and I praise them for that. This team and these fans form a team with a tremendous connection which has shown in moments of adversity, and that is what stays with me.
“Everyone who comes to lift and support the team, and I hope this gets us more points which is what we all want. We need them, we want to feel them with us, to feel the colours”.
Espanyol take on an Osasuna side chasing European football and in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, giving enough indication of the threat they pose to Martínez’s men.
On their opponents, he asserted, “It is a tough challenge, Osasuna are having an excellent season. They are a team that has been in a process for many years, with a squad and a sports director and a coach who I hold in high esteem and who are reaping the fruits of the great work they have done in recent years”.
It is the first match since the conclusion of the winter transfer window which saw five new signings. Martínez said of his new incorporations, “We are better than a month ago. There are no good or bad signings, rather good or bad performances. Performance depends on many factors; the important thing is that the team achieves its goals”.
Martínez concluded by speaking about the 'Feel the Colours' campaign, which the Club counter launched on Thursday evening. He said, “I haven't been around for so long as to have such a clear opinion. What I do know is that perseverance forges character, and this special character of pericos also has to do with this: perseverance and rebellion”.