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González: "The team is more competitive now than a month ago"
The coach previews the game against Atletico Madrid
Manolo González gave a press conference prior to RCD Espanyol's match against Cívitas Metropolitano, and began by talking about new signing Walid Cheddira. He pointed out that the forward is a "very good addition" to the squad, and that "he will bring us a different profile to what we have. He plays well with his back to goal, is powerful and gives us more solutions in attack. It has been difficult to bring him, but a good job has been done by the Sports Management."
The coach lamented the absence of Leandro Cabrera for the match.
"It's a shame. He has been untouchable because he gives us a lot. In any case, there are other teammates who are qualified to replace him," was his assessment."
As for the contest, he insisted that his players "have to fine-tune what we have done in the two previous games to get the reward of the points. In Valladolid we didn't play well in certain situations, but the other day against Real Sociedad we had a complete game. We gave few options to a team with a lot of potential. Tomorrow we have to attack more calmly and be well positioned, so as not to lose balls that allow the opponents to run forward.”
“Our idea is to go to every ground to win and to give a battle. Atletico Madrid have a lot of potential and nobody should be surprised. We have to have a very complete game. If our game plan goes well, we will be able to compete with them,” he insisted.
"If you take points by having a bad game, sooner or later you will fall. The players already know that in Primera División you cannot make mistakes. I am calm because of the feeling of the team. The other day we competed very well against a great team, against whom we deserved to win. The team is more competitive now than a month ago.”