Manolo González, the head coach of Espanyol, addressed concerns regarding his team’s recent winless streak during a press conference ahead of their upcoming match against Valencia at Mestalla. Despite the club not winning in their last three matches of 2026—drawing against Levante (1-1) and suffering defeats to Barcelona (0-2) and Girona (0-2)—González emphasized the importance of evaluating performance rather than just results. He stated that while improvement is needed, the team’s performance has not been disastrous.
González expressed frustration when questioned about the negativity surrounding Espanyol’s current form, questioning whether there was a desire for the team to fail. “We’re fifth, ten points clear of the eighth position; I’ve told my players to win, or else I’m going to be sacked,” he remarked with irony, reinforcing his confidence in the team’s potential.
As the team prepares for the matchup against Valencia, González praised their head coach, Carlos Corberán, calling him “one of the best in the league.” He recognized Corberán’s contributions in creating a well-structured team with a strong identity and talented players.
Looking ahead to the winter transfer market, González acknowledged that the club is working on bringing in new players. He conveyed the challenge of navigating this market, emphasizing the desire to acquire quality players who can make an immediate impact and improve the squad’s overall performance. “Let’s hope we have some luck this week,” he added.
Moreover, González raised concerns about the scheduling of matches, criticizing the number of midweek games. “I don’t understand how the calendars are made. It seems there’s a free pass for Espanyol to be scheduled at any inconvenient time,” indicating that the club needs to take more initiative in addressing these issues.
With an ongoing commitment to improving both the team’s capabilities and their stability within the league, González remains focused on turning the tide in Espanyol’s favor as they embark on their next challenge.