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Martínez: "I feel very proud of these players and the team"

The coach reflects on the 1-3 loss to Real Madrid

In his post-match press conference following the 1-3 defeat to Real Madrid, RCD Espanyol coach Diego Martínez expressed his pride with his team's performance.

"We are two teams from different universes, but we competed against Real Madrid on level terms. It was difficult after conceding the opening goal, but we reacted, we responded and we had the chance to make it 2-1. In order to win, you have to be effective. We competed until the 87th minute. You can say that we lacked precision, could have defended better and we weren't good from their set pieces... Saying that is easy, but doing it against those great players isn't easy. You can't reproach the team for anything. We still haven't achieved the prize of a victory," he told the media, before reminding journalists of the circumstances surrounding the fixture.

"There are physical and tactical differences between us. They are the European champions. Hence why Espanyol matching them deserves so much credit. We equalised. Then we lost our goalkeeper through a VAR check, like last week."

"There are many positive things to take away from the game," continued Martínez. "Competing against Real Madrid, who are from a different universe, has incredible merit. Then you have their quality and finishing -which we also have, but to a lesser extent."

"I feel very proud of these players and the team. We matched the European champions. The game they had deserves a lot of credit. The dedication and effort was incredible. This team doesn't give up. I believe in these players and in this team."

Asked about the strategy his side employed, the coach commented that "We were looking to recover the ball, because we were winning duels. However, you can't do it all over the pitch. Real Madrid, when they run, are a fearsome team."

Martínez then addressed the transfer market, which closes this week.

"Our needs are evident. We are confident that in these last four days we will have at least the minimum amount of players necessary to compete. We have planned four or five reinforcements, one per line. It is something that has been discussed, and it is part of our planning. However, it is not only about what you want, but what you can do. We want players who are good, cheap and committed. You have to have belief."

"What I want from this team is for us to go ahead, win games and gain confidence. With time, the team will grow. We have a path to follow based on effort and hard work, but you get excited to see the team compete in every game and training session. We have to keep fighting," he concluded.