Manolo González: “More teams are in the relegation fight now”

Espanyol’s crucial 4-0 victory at Rayo Vallecano on Friday has taken on even greater importance after wins by relegation rivals Alavés and Valencia this weekend. Without that result, Espanyol would be in a dire situation. Instead, they remain very much alive in the fight to avoid relegation.

Coach Manolo González addressed the tight relegation battle in an interview, saying he spent Saturday watching as many La Liga matches as possible. While confident Espanyol will survive, he noted the team’s improved level of play and ability to adapt tactically during matches, but cautioned much work remains.

González praised the team’s performance against Rayo as likely their best in La Liga under his leadership. He highlighted their ability to quickly regain possession, orient pressure effectively, and launch rapid counterattacks. The coach also noted the importance of tactical flexibility, with players now able to smoothly transition between systems mid-match.

While acknowledging the boost from January reinforcements and returning players like Edu Expósito, González emphasized the overall squad’s improvement. He expressed particular satisfaction with Leandro Cabrera’s strong form lately.

Looking ahead, González remains convinced Espanyol will avoid relegation, though he expects a difficult fight involving more teams than initially anticipated. With 9 matches left, including a game in hand, he believes Espanyol will compete fiercely to secure their La Liga status for next season.