LOPETEGUI: "I LIKE TO WATCH ESPANYOL BECAUSE THEY ARE COMPETITVE AND PLAY WELL"

24/09/2021

The coach referred to the physical condition of Fernando and En-Nesyri and the current form of Lamela.

Without a lot of time to savour the last victory against Valencia, Julen Lopetegui returned this Friday to the press room to talk about tomorrow's clash in Nervión against Espanyol. "This does not stop and we play for three points against a rival which keeps the ball well, with good players that have strengthened this year in the first division and that is playing well. They are coming off the back of drawing with Betis and we have to prepare ourselves and concentrate on being able to start the game well.

Talking about squad management, he recognised that "the fact that there are so many games means that you have to balance your efforts to deal will all the demands. For that reason we count on his squad and we try to use it. Everybody has to be prepared to help." On this topic he was asked about rotation in goal. "We are delighted with all our goalkeepers and we will always make the decision based on what we think is best in every game and in every competition. We will treat it so that when one or the other plays, he is ready.".

One of the most stand out players is Lamela. "He is playing well, getting to know and adapting to the rhythmn of the league and to what we ask of our attacking players. He is doing this well because he has a very good attitude and team spirit, but he is just getting started. It is a long season and you have to give your best performances for the team not only once but during the whole season." As always Lopetegui stays grounded. "Its not that when we don't win everything is bad and when we win everything is fantastic. The quickness of games means that you don't have time to look back no more that to improve and develop. There will be complicated and difficult moments.

"The build-up of games means that you only look back to improve and develop"

The coach recognises the pressure of rivals, but above all his work is for today. "The rivals look at us for the history but for what we do on the pitch. The history of Espanyol is very important but the most important thing is the present, such as the attacking, defending and competing. Now they are a very good team that last year kept its best players and this year has strengthened well, even with out players and they are a dynamic team, with very potent and high quality attackers. In addition to appreciating and respecting the rival, we always want to overcome them." On of these former players is Aleix Vidal, who was injured in the last game. "I haven't been able to talk with him but I think today he has trained and is available. I wish him well soon because of course he has a special spirit and is a magnificent footballer.

"Fernando and En-Nesyri have done the first part of the training and tomorrow we will see."

On Nesyri and Fernando, they are doubts until the last minute: "Both have done the first part of the training and tomorrow we will see how they are. We won't know until tomorrow morning. We won't have a definite eleven until late in the morning because we have to keep an eye on the physical condition and energy of each player."

Lastly, talking about the names of Espanyol starting with their coach, Vicente Moreno: "In addition to the two promotions, the football they play and the mentality are the result of their work. I like to watch Espanyol because they play very well and are very competitive". And up front, they have a lot of potential with Raúl de Tomás as the leader: "He is an excellent striker. I had him at Real Madrid in the preseason and I knew him as a kid, but they have many more. Embarba, Wulei and Loren. Players who can play on the outside and others on the inside, with two very attacking full-backs as well."