Manolo González warns Espanyol: “you can’t be bad”

Espanyol return to the RCDE Stadium for a crucial match against Elche after losing last Tuesday at Butarque to Rayo Vallecano. In the build-up, Manolo González stressed that his side must pick up points before the international break and compete at the right level from the start.

A win to arrive well

The Espanyol coach said every league game matters, but the timing makes it even more important: a good result “gives tranquility” so the squad can work better and also recover players who are beginning to regain rhythm. He also noted that having Javi Puado available again (along with other injured/absent team-mates) will make the group “much more complete,” according to MARCA.

Reaction and balance

González reflected on what needs fixing after the recent match, praising the team’s ability to react “through football” after a difficult first half. Still, he made it clear that poor starts and big mistakes are what hurt the most, arguing they must not go into games detached or error-prone because it forces them to chase the match.

Absences and selection

On Omar El Hilali’s absence, he said they’re weighing different options and that the final choice will depend on the last training session due to the tight turnaround. He also discussed Pol Lozano, saying they want him at his best level while the team chooses the lineup based on current form and internal competition.

Finally, he mentioned fitness doubts: Jofre will be assessed, and Andoni Gorosabel is expected to train with the group but remains questionable, as MARCA reports.