Club
González: "We aim to control games this season"
RCD Espanyol coach Manolo González outlines his strategy for the new LaLiga season, emphasizing the goal of improving the team's position and maintaining ambition.
RCD Espanyol gears up for LaLiga season with renewed focus Manolo González, coach of RCD Espanyol, has outlined his vision for the new LaLiga season, which kicks off this Sunday with a match against Levante UD. The manager, entering his third year at the helm, emphasized the importance of "controlling games" and reducing energy expenditure in defensive transitions.
What strategic changes will the team implement? González explained that RCD Espanyol, which finished the 2025 season in 11th place with 46 points (12 wins, 10 draws, and 16 losses), aims to evolve its playing style. "We’ve been a team based on quick counterattacks, but now we want to attack with more patience to minimize physical wear and tear," he noted. The team scored 43 goals and conceded 55 last season, highlighting the need for improvement in both areas.
What are the goals for this season? The coach stressed that the main objective is to "improve on last year’s position" and stay clear of the relegation zone. "The priority is survival, but with ambition. In LaLiga, no team is safe until the final match," he warned. González also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead RCD Espanyol, describing his experience as "a dream come true." ## How is the team preparing for the start of the season? After a satisfactory preseason, RCD Espanyol is focused on regaining competitive rhythm. "The players need to adapt to the intensity of matches, which is normal at the start of the season," González commented. The team, which finished 48 points behind league leaders Barcelona last season, aims to solidify its position in the table and avoid the mistakes that led other teams to relegation.