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Pacheco: “It will be a very hard match”
The goalkeeper recognises the tough test ahead on Sunday against Real Valladolid
Fernando Pacheco admitted that the team will have to work hard for a third straight win as they travel to Real Valladolid on Sunday.
The goalkeeper was the final addition to the squad in the winter transfer window for RCD Espanyol, and has been victorious in his two appearances so far against Elche and Mallorca. He spoke at the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque on Thursday ahead of the team’s trip across Spain.
Pacheco said, “We are getting better and better, we have to be patient with the new signings because that takes time. The team is getting better, we know each other better. It gives us peace of mind. On a personal level I am very happy, above all for helping the team and for the most important thing, which is to gain points”.
Espanyol have consecutive wins in LaLiga which have seen the team rise up to 12th, with the table remaining competitive especially in the bottom half. Diego Martínez’s men will be keen to build on their form and continue to climb the table and into the top half.
The goalkeeper continued, “I see a hungry and motivated changing room, wanting to do well. Knowing where we are, that it is a tight league, defeat or victory changes your perspective, and you have to be calm. We are on the right path”.
He added, “I can only have good words for how [the team] have treated me. The competition is very healthy, there is still that competition which benefits the team. Confidence in all positions is important, knowing that they will be there to help you, but I am lucky to know some of my defenders from before to help me integrate quicker”.
The 30-year-old kept a clean sheet on his debut in Elche, before celebrating his home debut at the RCDE Stadium with another victory against Mallorca.
Pacheco concluded, “We have to think match by match. We have to go to Valladolid, which will be a very tough match. We cannot think beyond the next match and only remain focused on the task in hand. If we do not give one hundred percent, any team can beat you”.