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Martínez: "We want to give the best version of ourselves"
The coach previews Friday's game against Rayo Vallecano
Diego Martínez spoke to the media in a press conference ahead of RCD Espanyol’s game against Rayo Vallecano on Friday.
Espanyol are back at the RCDE Stadium for their first home game of the season, having grabbed a late equaliser away to Celta in the season opener. The coach spoke about his excitement to be on home soil for the first time, as well as the challenges posed by Rayo.
Martínez said, “I'm very excited. It's a very nice and special day, we want it to be even more so after the game. We want to give the best version of ourselves to our fans, we are going to do our best. I am very excited about the challenge we have tomorrow.”
He continued, “The situation is complex but very exciting, we have to bring out our rebelliousness - it is in our DNA as a team and as a club. I am excited about the attitude and commitment of the team. This is not about our own names, but about one, Espanyol. We all have to put that name at the top in terms of values.”
As well as making his debut at the RCDE Stadium, it will be the first chance for many Pericos to meet their new coach.
“There are new players, a different technical team and all of them will be in front of the fans,” Martínez said. “We want to feel them, compete with them. It is an opportunity to show and give them the best version of us. We have to show that way first.”
In regard to team news, Javi Puado is the only player back from injury, with all other injury absentees still unavailable. “He has been training, but we will see how he feels,” Martínez explained. “Let's see how it is. The attitude is exemplary, he has worked hard to recover. We will not take any more risks than necessary.”
Rayo Vallecano are the opposition on Friday, and they travel to Catalonia with confidence after holding FC Barcelona in their LaLiga opener last week.
Speaking on Rayo, Martínez said, “Rayo are historically a very complex rival to compete with, coming from a draw at the Camp Nou, Copa del Rey semi-finalists [last season]; they are a very recognisable team.
“But I live the present. We can beat anyone in a game. I believe in Espanyol and in these players.”