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Martínez: “It is an important challenge”
The coach speaks ahead of RCD Espanyol's meeting with Villarreal
Diego Martínez spoke at his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s match against Villarreal.
Speaking before RCD Espanyol’s final home match of 2022, the coach emphasised the desire to do well for the fans and finish off with a good result. This will be the last LaLiga match ahead of the World Cup break, adding extra incentive to the clash.
Martínez said, “It will be an important challenge tomorrow, a major challenge. The next one is always the key match, the most important. It's the last chance to be with our people in 2022. I still remember the words of encouragement in the last open training session and that is motivation for us.”
Espanyol host Villarreal at the RCDE Stadium, looking to build on their strong run of results on home soil. They are without defeat in their last three home matches, as they aim to finish off with a win in front of the blanquiazul support.
He said, “We fight every game to the fullest. There are five games left to finish the first half of the season and the next one is the most important. We want to share a good match with the fans. We want to compete in the game at our highest level and achieve that victory that we want so much, a very difficult opponent.“
Martínez’s men come off the back of a valiant effort away to Atlético de Madrid, earning a 1-1 draw while playing with 10 men for over an hour. They return with two draws from two away trips, having played out the same scoreline with Mallorca last month.
Looking at the wider picture, the coach concluded, “In a season with so many matches there is no team in the world that always wins. In this society, in this world each moment is lived with a special intensity.
“We can't ask the fans for anything more. We only ask to feel that they continue with that connection, enthusiasm and that strength that they give us: conviction and belief.”