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Luis García: “We are the ones who must go forward”
The new RCD Espanyol coach is optimistic ahead of his first match
There was a sense of optimism around the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque following the open training session on Thursday, further enhanced by Luis García’s first pre-match press conference as RCD Espanyol coach.
Straight to work ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Athletic Club, the arrival of the new men’s first team coach has caused a buzz for the fans, as he addressed the media in his preview ahead of the LaLiga meeting.
García said, “We are the ones who must go forward. We must see a solid, strong Espanyol with an overwhelming personality. I see a very strong team mentally. When things do not work out, it is normal thing that your mental strength is undermined, but I have seen a team that insisted time and time again to fight back.
“We are all clear that we want to enjoy the journey and reach the goal that we are all looking for. The players are very confident and looking forward to the match, knowing that we will host an opponent of a very high level”.
Espanyol enter matchday 28 of LaLiga inside the relegation zone after a challenging March, but arrive with belief and unity at the RCDE Stadium. Opponents Athletic have not won away in the league against the Mágico in 25 years, though they are far from a team to be underestimated.
Speaking about Saturday’s opponents, the coach explained, “They are a very Valverde team”, in reference to current Athletic and former Espanyol manager Ernesto Valverde. “They are a very strong team and we have to be very attentive and brave”.
García concluded, “To be better defensively, we must also be better offensively. When you concede goals, you must improve offensively to keep the opponent in their half. Of course a debut win would be an enormous joy, but this is about the players, not me”.