Manolo González: Espanyol face Atlético with two confirmed absences

Manolo González leads into Espanyol’s clash with Atlético de Madrid needing points, with two confirmed absences: Jofre Carreras and Kike García. The coach also said Dmitrovic will be available and that the start is up to a decision between Fortuño and Dmitrovic.

At his press conference, González steered clear of calling it a “crisis” despite several winless matches and a draw at Málaga. He argued the pressure was baked in from preseason: “From the first day… if we didn’t win there would be debate,” adding that “the tragic situation isn’t.”

On the match approach, he wants the team to replicate what worked at Málaga: “We only conceded in the first half,” and he believes finishing clearer chances is key to upsetting Atlético. He also set the tone on expectations: first “survival,” then “something more”.