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Martínez: “We believe in what we do”
The míster insists that the team are ready for an intense clash with Real Betis
Diego Martínez explained how he is relishing the challenge ahead of the match against Real Betis on Saturday.
Betis are the next opponents on matchday 18 of the LaLiga season, as RCD Espanyol look to build on last week’s win at Getafe. Speaking at the RCDE Stadium, the coach sung his praises for Manuel Pellegrini’s side while also praising his squad’s growth over the last few months.
Martínez said, “We are facing a team who are used to playing three competitions in a week, with a high technical level and playing well in recent years. They have been at a really high level for years; it is an attractive match and an exciting one. Beyond individual quality, they have always had the opportunity to win matches”.
Real Betis currently sit sixth in the table in a tight contest for the European spots, coming off the back of a penalty shootout exit in the Copa del Rey for the defending champions.
Meanwhile, Espanyol have not lost in the league since the restart, and came away with a vital victory at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez last Sunday. In what is set to be an intense atmosphere in an important match for both sides, Martínez recognised the positives from both perspectives ahead of Saturday’s clash.
The coach continued, “They are at the maximum level of confidence and are used to big matches, but we believe in what we do, and we will be together with our fans, which gives us a boost and makes us stronger. It is one of those matches where you need that emotional impact from the stands, and it would be great to get the three points”.
Martínez concluded, “We will try to improve on our defending from set pieces. Our idea of playing is being versatile without losing our identity in the way we play. It’s important for the coaching staff that the players are growing on a personal level, we need to have quality players with excitement and dedication”.