González: “Clean Sheets are Key to Victory”
Ahead of the upcoming match against Deportivo Alavés, RCD Espanyol’s head coach Manolo González emphasized the team’s focus on success. His press conference highlighted the importance of winning to alleviate tensions surrounding the club.
González on the Importance of Clean Sheets
González firmly believes that clean sheets are essential to victory. He stated, “Winning calms everything down, so we are determined to achieve a victory as soon as possible.” The coach acknowledged that recent performances had merit, despite the team’s struggles in securing victories.
Key Strategies for the Match
The coach outlined several strategies leading up to the game:
- Maintain focus to block external distractions.
- Play good football while keeping a clean sheet.
- Win individual duels to manage game tempo.
- Exhibit composure and clinical finishing when in scoring positions.
González also acknowledged Deportivo Alavés’ competitive nature. He remarked that they pose significant challenges and can exert pressure on their opponents. Reflecting on their recent match against Atlético Madrid, he noted the necessity for his team to stay sharp and prevent Alavés from dominating the match.
On Future Signings and Referee Controversies
When asked about potential signings as the winter transfer window closes, González playfully referenced Kylian Mbappé, demonstrating his desire for improvement. He insisted the team is working diligently behind the scenes to strengthen their roster.
Regarding officiating, González chose to redirect focus away from previous controversies. He remarked, “I said I wouldn’t talk about the referees anymore. We need to concentrate on our performance and ignore distractions.”
Ultimately, González is dedicated to steering RCD Espanyol towards victory through disciplined play and strategic focus. The importance of keeping a clean sheet remains a central theme as they prepare for their match against Deportivo Alavés.
