The Espanyol manager is confident of exploiting FC Barcelona’s high defensive line to inflict damage on their rivals.
The last time Espanyol triumphed at the Camp Nou was thanks to Iván de la Peña’s two goals, but it is clear that the former star will not don the blue-and-white kit today. A player of his caliber would have been invaluable, as Espanyol’s main strategy revolves around capitalizing on Barcelona’s advanced defensive setup. Manolo asserted, “We can hurt them,” highlighting two key aspects for the match. Firstly, the importance of mentality, intensity, and the ability to endure the game, and secondly, effectiveness. Espanyol certainly won’t have “70 chances,” so they must seize any precious opportunities that come their way if they hope to leave Montjuic with a positive result.
Injury Update: “Gragera won’t make it to the match. I spoke to him, and he’s not feeling well. We are not going to take risks with a player for a single game. It’s crucial that both he and Calero return fully fit. It appears Pol Lozano hasn’t damaged his tendon and may recover sooner than expected. Unfortunately, none of the three will be available due to injuries.”
Unequal Derby: “I’ve seen all kinds of derby matches. A derby is a unique encounter. We will go out there and defend our badge and colors with the pride that is rightfully so. We will aim to implement our usual approach, regardless of the level of success we achieve. We hope the fans feel proud. Tomorrow, we need to run like beasts and give our all, and from there, we must inflict damage with the ball. Although they execute things perfectly, they can be hurt too.”
Scouting a Match: “It’s complicated. Getafe went there and performed admirably. We’ve analyzed them and believe that by staying organized and capitalizing on two or three opportunities that arise, we can complicate their game and inflict damage. We need to be very effective in everything we do tomorrow.”
On Postponing the Match: “That decision lies with the authorities. I don’t have family in Valencia, but the situation is very serious. I firmly believe that human lives take precedence over football. It’s not for us to assess this situation. Life is more important than sport.”
Special Motivation: “We are always motivated. Some days we have that touch of accuracy, and other days we don’t. We will strive to win the match. It’s complicated, just as it was at the Madrid ground. We will compete at maximum capacity. We need to be very, very organized, stretch the match out, and use our heads; that is the key to the game. If we execute our plans well, we will pose a threat to them.”
Quarry Players: “For me, it’s a source of pride. I wish there were many more. The fans enjoy seeing homegrown talent. We have five each week, and they are performing well. They can continue to grow. They feel the colors, they feel the shirt, no doubt about it. Tomorrow, the fans will come out to support us.”
Reference Match: “I don’t reference any specific match. We need to have an identity and be true to ourselves. Returning the clean sheet is vital for us. We’ve only achieved this against Atlético Madrid. We need to replicate that not just this Sunday but consistently. We need a competitive spirit and for the team to be confident. Thus far, no rival has resembled Barcelona too closely.”
Barcelona’s High Defensive Line: “There are several factors at play. Having personality is crucial. Everyone seems to have counted us out, but we were not out of it after Oviedo, nor are we now. Mentality won’t be our downfall. If we respect the game plan, we will have options to earn points for sure.”
15 Years Since ‘Delapeñazo’: “The closest thing to De la Peña these days is me. If I come on and score, I’ll sign it right now (laughs).”
Not Being Favorites: “I’m indifferent to being counted out or not. Just being at Espanyol suffices to motivate me. Our primary goal is to ensure the team survives this season. Whether we’re seen as already dead or not, we’ve proven that we can achieve good things. The match will undoubtedly be a challenge.”
First Derby: “As a perico, it’s incredibly motivating. We must go in at 120%. I’ve been fortunate to beat them at the Mini in other categories. Let’s see if we can bring some joy to our fans and make the year a bit more bearable.”
How to Attack Them: “It’s a match for sacrifice, requiring a defensive mindset. We must stay intensely focused and then, when the time comes, exploit the spaces available for effective attacks. If we find the ball in key areas and make the right pass, we can create chances to seize the match.”
Surrounding Derby Pressure: “The pressure I put on myself. I don’t feel external pressures. I understand that the situation will be challenging with difficulties ahead. But I’m convinced that we will rise to the occasion. The external environment doesn’t bother me specifically.”
Set Pieces: “We have scored 5 goals from set pieces. We’ve capitalized on this aspect, but we could have done even more. It’s crucial for teams of our profile, who find it hard to score goals. We’re working on this to make use of it tomorrow.”
Victory Against San Tirso: “Yes, it’s beneficial. The victory should have come sooner. It would have been normal to end the first half 0-3. Tomorrow, we won’t have 70 chances. We must raise the standards; effectiveness is crucial. We need to elevate our level, as it will determine our final position in the league. We have to capitalise on goal-scoring opportunities.”
Squad Condition: “The squad is doing well. Yesterday, after the video session, there was a message to the team. They are aware of the need to remain in the top flight and understand the significance of tomorrow’s match. We must explain to the newcomers what tomorrow’s match is all about; it’s not just any game.”
Montjuic: “You don’t return as a local side. Many of those present back then are no longer around. You play there, but there aren’t many similarities to previous times.”
Barcelona’s Offside Line: “The key is to position our players correctly to make that final pass. The match plan aligns with this strategy. We don’t have a player like De la Peña available. Offsides are often broken by running in a specific manner so that you don’t end up offside. Defending like this does expose you to the risk of conceding. It’s a double-edged sword. They have significant firepower up top and may expose themselves to that risk.”
Effectiveness: “We are focusing on where to cross from and how to finish—whether in one touch or two—and where to place it. Many of our finishes have been off target. We are emphasizing this aspect in our training.”
