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González: "I want us to be a brave side who leave everything out there"
The coach talks before the high-stakes playoff final
Ahead of Sunday's decisive playoff final second leg against Real Oviedo, RCD Espanyol coach Manolo González spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference. In his address, he explained the approach for the game.
“I am trying to make sure we go out there convinced, knowing that we have to win. With a victory, we will go up to the Primera División. I don't care about all the noise that is coming from outside; this is all about being clear about things on the pitch. It's not about us coming back, but rather about winning," he said.
“The players are aware. They already have the emotional side that you need, but the game has to be won with football. We have to use our heads and and be organised from the first minute. We have to win, period.”
The coach emphasised that the only motivation “is to win” and recalled that, following the game against Sporting Gijon in the semifinals, despite winning 0-1 “I already said that it was not won yet. I think the same now. We have to play to win and go up to the Primera División. I hope that on Sunday we will see the best version of the team. I want us to be a brave side who leave everything out there, go for the game and play in a recognisable way. I would like to see a team with a strong mentality.”
Regarding Real Oviedo, he praised level they have reached and how they have progressed during the season.
“I highly doubt they will come here to shut up shop. They will be smart and try to manage the timing of the game. You have to be prepared for everything, because in the end the game will be won with football. We are not going to win it any other way. I am convinced that we are going to be promoted, although I also know that we have a great opponent in front of us. The fans will be with us and will help us; they will be very important.”
The coach also took the opportunity to remember Diego Orejuela, the captain of the historic Espanyol side from the late 1980s, who died on Thursday.
“Diego is an emblem of the club. I want to express our support to his family. Hopefully his mentality and courage will give us strength this Sunday to go up to the Primera División.”