"What matters most to me about Miami is that Julio Iglesias lives there."
MADRID, 16 (EUROPA PRESS)
Espanyol manager Manolo González expressed his positive attitude regarding the "good feelings" from preseason ahead of the season, which begins this Sunday against Atlético de Madrid in the first matchday of LaLiga EA Sports, where they are "in better shape than a year ago," with returning players and a more established idea.
"We're trying to prepare the team for 90 minutes. We have a Plan A and a Plan B. We have to see who plays and who doesn't; some are clear. The missing players will arrive, but I was aware they might not make it to Matchday 1. The good thing is that many players have returned, a good job was done bringing in Carlos Romero, getting Roberto back, and Javi staying," he stated.
"That helps. The players who have come in help make the squad more competitive, but we're missing some key pieces. The team has its own path, its own work, and we're in Valladolid in better shape than we were a year ago. The preseason feeling has been good," he added, hoping that at least three more players will arrive, "raising the level of the squad and creating competition."
On the other hand, the "perico" coach emphasized the idea of competing that he has conveyed this summer. "If you've lost every preseason match, you get to matchday one and it feels like the Fallas, the fires start. It's important; you get used to competing at your best; we saw that in preseason," he said.
González, who also highlighted the signing of veteran striker Kike García, "a tremendous professional" who offers "many options," noted that he will have a starting eleven to face Atlético. "The team that goes out tomorrow will compete well. The match is very demanding, against an opponent that will fight for the League title and has strengthened very well. The team has to give their all on the field; the starting eleven and those who come out after will compete," he stated.
"A very tough team, with a manager who has been with the squad for a long time, and new players with very good skills. It's a difficult match, but we're capable of beating any opponent. We have to make things very difficult and go for the three points. We have to be careful not to make mistakes," he added.
On the other hand, the Espanyol manager seemed more concerned about the pitch "not being in good shape" than the heat, and admitted that "it would be nice to start at home with a good image." Furthermore, González declined to discuss Joan García and his move to FC Barcelona, and he also had no opinion on the Blaugrana's possible La Liga match against Villarreal in Miami (United States).
"What matters most to me about Miami is that Julio Iglesias lives there. Whether Barça and Villarreal are going to play in Miami doesn't affect me, it doesn't matter to me. I haven't even thought about it, it doesn't matter to me. I haven't given it any thought," he concluded.
