Manolo Gonzalez: “We deserved to win”
Espanyol lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad in their home debut. Here are Manolo Gonzalez’s comments after the game:
On missed chances and lack of goals: “We all saw that game. The fanaticism makes the result shit, but if you analyze the game cold-bloodedly, we deserved to win. We had a lot of cases. We didn’t get it right, and in that category, it condemns you. One of his players smashes a well-defended 2-on-1 into your team, and you lose a game we deserved to win.”
On the fact that I deserve more: “We played very well. In the first half, the goal, depending on the type of opponent, was to intercept the ball and counter-attack. Last week we lost a lot of balls and we had to prevent that from happening again and creating uncertainty and run-run in the stands. Football is a sphere and that is where we lost today.”
About the result: “There are a few things. In the end, you have to analyse everything. We were very bad the other day. The newcomers have to pick up the pace, and as the game goes on, they will do so, and the team will improve. On a tactical level, I am calm, and the team is good. I think that with enough criteria, with the exception of some specific points, we achieved the opponent’s goal well.
On the fact that I deserve more: “It’s the second round. It’s still very early. Today you leave hurt by the result, but you leave strengthened because you outdid Real. And sometimes being superior is not having more of the ball. The team was organised and did what they had to do. “I leave hurt because the players are leaving in despair, but they did a great job and deserved to win.”
About other signings: “If we can bring someone else with us, it will help. You don’t have to be a lynx to see that, and anyone with eyes can see that. It’s true that once the players get into the groove, they will help us. I expected that the players who have to bet plus will have a hard time at first. There’s no point in starting a league and the market is still open.”
More details about the signings: “I don’t know the club’s economic problems and I’m not the right person to talk about them. I would like some additions. I think we need to bring in the best player we can. It’s better to bring in one with quality than two without quality. I want the staff to step up.
On improving the team: “The team has improved a lot from last year and has shown courage. “We need the new players to get into the groove and the people who were there last year, starting with the coaching staff, to step up.”
About Kumbulla: “He played at a very good level. I was afraid the game would not end, but it did. “We have to get him playing and get his rhythm.”