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Machín wants the team to continue evolving, but he doesn't forget that in Bilbao he expects "a demanding match for the rival and the context of San Mamés"
The two consecutive victories achieved by Espanyol underpin, in some way, the reaffirmation work being done by both the players and the coaching staff. Pablo Machín, for example, is worried about the enormous wear and tear the team is having, but he feels that "when the head wants, the legs go. Victories often revitalize and we are at a time when we can perform in Bilbao knowing that it is a demanding match for the rival and the context of San Mames”.
He admits that in his three matches on the bench "the team has done many things well and I see them very receptive, with the desire to continue improving”.
About Athletic he underlines "the potential they have" and does not forget that "their fans push the team when it is most needed. There are a recognisable opponent, who has been playing for some time in the same way, with verticality and danger in attack. What worries me is they haven’t won the last five games, but has added points and competed very well. In a situation like this, a team wants to change it”.
In the same way, he emphasizes that Athletic "is one of the strongest teams in the aerial skill power and we will have to put ourselves at their level" and reminds that "the first thing that we have needed is a victory that confirmed the good sensations of the first match and helped us to have a clearer idea of what we have to do".
On the other hand, he also says that "we coaches are always willing to improve our squads, but the winter market is three months ahead. I think my task now is to focus on the players I have. I have to know them and they know me to get the maximum performance”.
Finally, on Wu Lei's call to play an official match with his National Team in November break and the will of the federation of his country to recover it as soon as possible argues that "the club is working to make it less harmful to all parties: Espanyol, the player and his National Team”.