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We will not allow anyone to give up
Javí López is clear “we’re going to pull through” and says “we have to give everything to start picking up wins”
Javi López today showed the leadership expected of him as captain, recognizing that the team finds itself in a difficult situation and stating clearly that the club has “to be more united than ever; players, coaches, board and fans. There is no one person responsible. It’s not a question of blaming one person. We’re all at fault and it’s in our hands to get ourselves out of this situation”.
He recognizes that it’s only natural the fans are hurting after the run of bad results, but he adds that, within the playing squad, “We’re not going to let anyone give up. We have 119 years of history behind us and a “perico” never gives up. In May we’ll see whether we’re laughing or crying but at the moment it’s all in our hands. There are 11 home games left with 33 points to play for, and we’ve got to make our stadium the biggest fortress in the league. We’ve got to face up to the challenge”.
He admits that the team was not at the required level in the second half, pointing out “We’ve got to keep working, with concentration and humility, to make sure that second half isn’t repeated”, reiterating that “If there were some immediate explanation we would have solved the problem”, but in football “there are some situations outside of your control. It’s up to us to give our best week in, week out to start winning games”.
He insists on taking “my share of responsibility as captain, even though I’ve not played much recently owing to injury – but no one should have any doubt that I am not leaving this ship. Espanyol is my home; it has a special place in my heart and I’m going to give everything for the club”. Continuing, he says that “For the more experienced players, it’s down to us to make sure that no one gives up or lets their head go down. This is Espanyol. We’ve been through a lot over the years and no one is giving up”.
He wraps up by commenting that “we have a very professional and committed squad. Between us, we’ll pull through. I don’t believe that there are any other problems. We know that the sporting situation is difficult, but now is the time for us all to pull together”.