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González: "We did what we had to do and we won the game"
The coach reflects on the 3-2 win over Alavés
RCD Espanyol coach Manolo González had a positive assessment of the victory against Deportivo Alavés, which took his team to seven points.
“There were many positive things. What I'll take away are the three goals and the first half that the team had. It was more even later on, because the other team were also in the game. I'm happy because we were able to hold on until the end. They put pressure on us, but we were able to hold on. We did what we had to do and we won the game,” he said.
“It's a small achievement, but with how hard it is to win two games, you have to give them the value they deserve. We have to try to enjoy the moment and let people be happy. The fans know the importance of the season. Those at home and those outside. You return to the Primera División and you don't want to be relegated again. Home games are vital. They will be contested, hard-fought games and luckily this one was entertaining. We will try to win these games. We are going to have to struggle, because we are unlikely to win them 3-0.”
“What I think is that we are somewhat calm. We have to enjoy ourselves a bit, be happy, because we can always find negative things. We have taken six points from a possible six, scoring five goals. We have suffered, but we are always going to suffer. The players give everything they have. You can't ask for more from them,” he insisted.
González also praised the performance of Javi Puado, who scored three goals.
“I have known Javi since he was a youth player. I am very happy because sometimes people question him. He is homegrown, he feels passion for the club. The work he does in every game is commendable and if he scores on top of that, then even better. He was upset because he had been playing well without scoring a goal. Javi is very aware of his importance in the team and the club. He is aware of what he has to do. If you could see him train you would see that he is spectacular."