Manolo Gonzalez exposes his chest to those who doubt his humble origins: “I’m not a fool” | Relief
Who would have told Espanyol that by this point they would be in 12th position in the table and would create a big sensation?And all this is based on the work and effort of a limited and fighting team, as well as the strength of a coach who understands his strengths and weaknesses. Another gut-wrenching win over Mallorca leaves the Parrots four points clear of relegation. A victory that lifted the mood, especially after unfounded criticism of the team’s level of football.
Espanyol lost three games in a row and the abyss grew closer. The situation is enough to raise nervousness in the city and question the direction of the project, which left no doubt: it was ready to save the category, suffering until the last day. That’s why, Manolo Gonzalez does not understand either the criticism or the fact that his professional experience is being used. interrogate his employees.
“You heard that this is not the First or Second RFEF; that we didn’t play… Damn, I think if you analyze the game with Betis, the team had the ball in the first halfthere was a game, although it had neither arrival nor depth. But he had a game. This is what is disturbing because these are the usual clichés. Since you were trained and came from below, it looks like they might tell you that this is not the First RFEF and not the Second RFEF,” he begins.
And he answers: “I already know I’m not stupid. I see that this is neither the First nor the Second RFEF.but I think you need to analyze with some objectivity, knowing who you’re playing against and what league we’re in. Luckily I haven’t noticed this in any of the players or anyone else, but someone said it the other day. Damn, there are such things… If you say in a good way that a team is playing poorly, then it goes without saying that you come from the First or Second RFEF. I would like to become a millionaire and not have to work. It would be better and that’s it, I would be calm“.
A clear speech from the voice of a coach who has already gained experience and is now realizing the dream of defending his Espanyol in the First Division. When he arrived last season, he put aside his doubts and managed to lead the team to the highest category. Everything indicated that he would not continue, no matter what, although the club came to their senses and gave him the opportunity. An opportunity he is taking advantage of as the team is in a relatively comfortable situation despite the challenges along the way..
It is worth remembering that Manolo Gonzalez is a clear example that it is possible to reach the highest levels from the depths of football. At the age of 16, he had already started training in children’s teams and was already concentrating on the bench when a broken cruciate ligament forced him to hang up his boots. Along the way, in the quarries, he discovered Gerard Moreno or Mariano Diaz and, as the first coach, achieved the feat of eliminating Getafe along with Badalona..
Until recently, Manolo Gonzalez combined his work as a coach with his job as a regular bus driver in Barcelona. In his speech as Espanyol’s coach, he explained his values as the ship’s director in one sentence: “In the places I’ve been so far, I almost had to sweep the locker room.“Now, taking a leading role in the entire First Division team, he does not forget about his origins and sticks out his chest.