RCD Espanyol has started the preseason with significant changes under the direction of Manolo González. The coach has made his plan clear by excluding five players in the first friendly match against Olot. The club, which finished last season in 11th place with 46 points (12 wins, 10 draws, and 16 losses), aims to improve its performance in the upcoming campaign.
Manolo González left three players out of the squad: Miguel Rubio, José Gragera, and José Salinas. Additionally, Pablo Ramón and Antoniu Roca were on the list of called-up players but did not see action during the match. These moves reflect the coach's strategy to give minutes to players who fit his project.
The departure of these players is key to free up salary space and allow new signings. Miguel Rubio and José Gragera have high salaries, complicating their transfer, although Burgos CF has shown interest in the midfielder. José Salinas, on the other hand, could have a simpler exit, with Málaga CF interested. Pablo Ramón, a center-back, does not have the coach's trust, and Antoniu Roca, a winger, could be loaned out to gain experience.
RCD Espanyol needs to strengthen its defense after the departure of Fernando Calero. Monchi, the sporting director, has the task of finding exits for the excluded players and bringing in new ones. The team aims to improve its performance, especially in defense, where it conceded 55 goals last season, 12 more than it scored (43). With 48 points less than league leader Barcelona, the goal is to consolidate in the upper part of the table.
The preseason is a key moment to define the future of the team. Manolo González has already sent a clear message: only the players who adapt to his project will have a place at RCD Espanyol.
