Espanyol will host Real Madrid in matchday 2 of La Liga, which is also Real Madrid's first match of the new season. Ahead of the fixture, Espanyol manager Manolo González held a press conference to discuss Mourinho, how his team will deal with Real Madrid, as well as topics including squad composition and new signings.

On whether Espanyol should fear Real Madrid under Mourinho

There's absolutely no need to be afraid, but we must always show respect. They are a very strong team, and they have a new coach. This coach is one of the best in the world, and one of the best in history—his achievements speak for themselves. This will be a very difficult match, and it will also be highly motivating.

On how to contain Real Madrid

We need to maintain our defensive shape and do our best work in defense. Defending well for 90 minutes isn't enough—even if the match goes to 97 or 98 minutes, we must maintain our defensive standards throughout. At the same time, we must have a clear attacking plan. Like all teams, Real Madrid are not immune to threats.

On the match plan

We've spent all week searching for the perfect game plan. But ultimately, we won't know how it will unfold until kick-off at 9:30 p.m. tomorrow. They can create chances from midfield or attack down the wings, and they're excellent on the counter. So how well we attack tomorrow will be crucial. At the same time, after losing possession, we must maintain our shape.

On demands for the team

We must demand every player performs at the highest level. Whoever takes the field, we must play at our tempo. There can be no hesitation—we must push with everything we have. The players who step out tomorrow must give over 100%. If we do that, the match will be very competitive, and we can compete well against them.

On Espanyol's injury and suspension issues

Cabrera is suspended. Javi Puado and Kike García are unavailable due to injury.

On the type of players Espanyol is seeking in the transfer market

We're looking at several players and will try to sign the best we can find. We want a player who can operate on both wings and has the highest possible level. Whoever joins, we hope he is a versatile player.

On whether now is the best time to face Real Madrid

When you face Real Madrid, it's always the same situation. They have special talent, and they have players who excel physically, technically, and mentally. Their strength is immense. I'm more concerned with how we approach the match.

The key to this match is that we must play with our own identity. At the same time, when they have moments in the match—because they will inevitably create scoring chances—we must know how to withstand the pressure. We've done that over the past two seasons.

On the continuity in coaching he has gained at Espanyol

I want to thank the club and the sports leadership for trusting me for another year. The advantage of continued coaching is that we've worked and trained on many things, which gives you an edge over opponents. I'm grateful every day I'm here—each additional day is like another victory for me and a source of pride. You should appreciate all of this while you have it; don't wait until you lose it.

On whether Vanja Drkušić is ready to play

Since he arrived, he's been ready. All the players selected for tomorrow are ready to play. The next step is making the best choices from among them.

On fans and their importance to this match

Since I arrived here, the fans have been an important pillar of the team—they make a difference. Tomorrow, they just need to support the team as usual. When the match enters a difficult phase, I hope they can give their all, because we will also do everything possible to win.

On whether Real Madrid have weaknesses

They are a team with many strengths, but all teams have weaknesses. A team at Real Madrid's level obviously has fewer weaknesses, but we will do everything possible to win.

On the team's current form

Currently, we're in good form and also mentally calm. Everything that happened last season has helped us remain calm. Good things don't last forever. Preseason is preseason; La Liga is La Liga. The match against Levante is behind us, and we must continue looking forward.

Reiterating expectations for the team

We must do our best to compete in this match. The final result is what decides it, but I want to see a team mentally strong enough to continually challenge Real Madrid. Competing until the end and being able to absorb the blows in the match—these elements will make a team more mature and help it continue to develop.

On what type of Real Madrid he expects to face

Tomorrow, all match situations will arise. Sometimes they will control possession, and sometimes they'll attack through transitions and counter-attacks. People often overemphasize the importance of ball control, but you must understand the match intelligently. For some teams, attacking Real Madrid through transitions can be more effective than attacking through positional play.

Real Madrid will employ both approaches. They also considered this when signing Carlos Espi, because last season they had more difficulty breaking down low defensive blocks. Espi's arrival gives them a focal point to attack those blocks. At the same time, they can use other players to exploit spaces, and they have some of the world's best talents in this regard.

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