Espanyol will host Real Madrid in the second round of La Liga, which will also be Real Madrid's first league match of the new season. Ahead of the match, Espanyol coach Manolo González attended a press conference and discussed topics including Mourinho, how his team will face Real Madrid, squad matters, and transfers.

On whether they should fear Mourinho's Real Madrid

There's no need to fear them, but we must always show respect. They are a very strong team with a new manager. He is one of the best in the world and also one of the greatest in history—his achievements speak for themselves. This will be a very demanding match, but also very motivating.

On how to contain Real Madrid

We need to try to maintain our defensive shape and do our best in defense. It's not enough to defend well for just 90 minutes; whether the match goes to 97 or 98 minutes, we must maintain our defensive quality throughout. At the same time, we need to have a clear attacking plan. Like all teams, Real Madrid is not completely impervious to threat.

On the game plan

Throughout the week, we've tried to find the perfect game plan. But what the final version will look like, we won't know until tomorrow night at 21:30. They can create chances through the middle or attack from the wings, and they're excellent on the counterattack. So whether we can attack well tomorrow is very important. At the same time, after losing possession, we must also maintain our shape.

On demands for the team

We must demand that all players perform at their highest level. Whoever plays, we must play at the pace we want to impose. We can't hold back, but we must be as solid as possible. The players who play tomorrow must give more than 100%. If we can do this, the match will be very balanced, and we'll be able to compete well against them.

On Espanyol's injuries and suspensions

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

On what type of players Espanyol is looking for in the transfer market

We're monitoring several players and will try to recruit the best we can find. We're looking for players who can play on both wings and have the highest possible level. Whoever eventually joins, we hope they are versatile.

On whether now is the best time to face Real Madrid

It's always the same when you face Real Madrid. They have exceptional talent and very good players—physically, technically, and mentally. Their strength is enormous. I'm more concerned with how we approach the game ourselves.

The key to this match is that we must play with our own identity. At the same time, when they enter their dominant phases—because it's impossible for them not to have scoring chances—we must know how to withstand the pressure. We managed to do that two seasons ago.

On the continuity in management he has achieved at Espanyol

I want to thank the club and the sports management for giving me their trust for another year. The benefit of continuity in management is that we have worked on and trained many things, which gives you a certain advantage over your opponents. I'm grateful every day I'm here, because each extra day feels like another victory and a source of pride for me. We must appreciate all of this while we still have it, rather than waiting until it's gone to appreciate it.

On whether Vanja Drkušić is ready to play

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

On the fans and their importance in this match

Since I arrived here, the fans have always been a strong pillar of the team, and 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 everything, because we will also do everything possible to win.

On whether Real Madrid has weaknesses

They are a team with many strengths, but all teams have weaknesses. A team of Real Madrid's caliber naturally has fewer weaknesses, but we will do everything possible to win the match.

On the team's current form

We're in good form and feeling calm right now. Everything that happened last season has helped us become more composed. Good things don't last forever. Preseason is preseason, and La Liga is La Liga. The match against Levante is behind us, and we must look forward.

Reiterating expectations for the team

We must do our best to compete in this match. Results are what matter in the end, but I want to see a team with enough mental strength to always compete against Real Madrid. Staying in the competition until the end and being able to withstand setbacks during the match—these factors will make the team more mature and help it continue to develop.

On what Real Madrid to expect

Tomorrow, all kinds of game situations will arise. They will sometimes control possession, and sometimes attack through running and counterattacks. People often overemphasize the importance of possession, but you must understand the game intelligently. For some teams, attacking Real Madrid through transitions might be more effective than attacking through positional play.

Real Madrid will have both approaches. They also considered this when they recruited Kylian Mbappé, because last season they experienced more difficulty attacking when facing a low block. Mbappé's arrival gives them a target man when facing a low block. At the same time, they can use other players to attack space, and in this regard, they have some of the best players in the world.

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