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García: "Neither our name, nor our history, are going to give us promotion"
The coach talks about the need for hard work in the chase for promotion
Since he arrived at RCD Espanyol in 2005 as a player, Luis García has become an icon for the club. After taking charge of the team as a coach at a tough time, he is focused on a first full season in the dugout and the aim of promotion.
“When Espanyol called me, the first thing that came to mind was that I was fulfilling my dream of returning to the club that gave me everything as a player. I know that I have a great responsibility, but I take that on with the hope of progressing. Last season it wasn't possible for us to stay up, but we start this campaign with motivation and confidence in our work, attractive football and our love for the club," García told the club's official media.
"We have to bring a club with a lot of history back to the Primera División, although a very tough and long season awaits us. Neither our name, nor our history, are going to give us promotion."
Echoing the words of the sporting director, Fran Garagarza, he assured that "the road will be long. Promotion will not be achieved in December, nor in March. You have to be patient, aware and demanding on a day-to-day basis."
The Asturian coach explained that preseason is useful "to get up to full fitness and start the season with guarantees."
"It is very important to be able to bring the team together, get to know each other, be united and be aware that we are all going to fight for the same thing, as well as reinforcing concepts about our playing style and other aspects that we could not work on as much before."
As for his own role, García said that "We are seen as coaches, but we have to act as psychologists, as parents with the kids who come up, as a counselor… It's not easy to manage a group, because each player is different, but the person always comes first -then the footballer."
"RCD Espanyol is different and special. I get goosebumps when I talk about the club. It is an inexplicable feeling; This club have given me everything."