Back
Martínez: “It will be an uncomfortable match”
The coach looks ahead to Sunday's crucial match at Getafe
Diego Martínez has explained that the team have a must-win game against Getafe on Sunday.
RCD Espanyol travel to Madrid this weekend in what is the first away trip of 2023, knowing that a victory would see them move above Getafe and potentially more. The coach spoke in his pre-match press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque on Friday, assuring that it would be no easy test for the team.
Martínez said, “It will be an uncomfortable match. They are a strong, uncomfortable opponent, who combine very good defensive organisation and talent up top. They are in good form and full of confidence. I agree that it is an uncomfortable match, but we are mentally prepared for what will come”.
He continued, “I have full confidence that we have a team that wants, feels and can win the match. We will have to make changes with all of the injuries, the kind of match, the opponent's game, so it will be a long match.
“We’re clear about what we need, I’m very encouraged by what I see from the squad day-to-day in the dressing room and in training. We can do it; I believe in these players and we must focus all of our energy on this match”.
Espanyol will be without Brian Oliván who is serving a one-match suspension, though Vini Souza will be available once again following the conclusion of his ban. Martínez’s men are unbeaten since the LaLiga restart though will be vying for victory at the Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.
“We need our best version of the best version, but we do see a firmer, more mature and consistent team during the games”, Martínez said. “Every match is key and important, and we need to win. There is a margin of points and there are several teams in a very similar area. We have to reach our maximum concentration levels and be clinical”.