Vanja Drkusic says he’s back as Espanyol fall 0-1 to Atlético

Vanja Drkusic continued his RCD Espanyol loan spell from Zenit ruso, now up to season’s end, after helping in a 0-1 loss to Atlético de Madrid. The 26-year-old said he produced his best performance in the clash despite the setback. “It was tough, especially physically. I hadn’t played many matches, but I’m completely recovered and training with the team,” he told club media.

Drkusic tried to keep a positive tone after the defeat: “We have to focus on the positives. As a team, we were at the level… It’s a shame we conceded a goal in the last minute.” He pointed to the similarity with Málaga’s game (1-1) and stressed that the work now is to correct other issues ahead of the next fixture.

He expects the squad to have a clear window to prepare: “We still have three or four days to train and prepare well,” ahead of the visit to Racing Santander on Saturday at 16:15. With Espanyol winless since September 12 (0-2 in Pamplona), he added that the dressing room atmosphere is good and that everyone is ready to help.