Pol Lozano, captain and central figure of RCD Espanyol, has spoken firmly in a press conference, making it clear that the responsibility for recent results falls on the players and not on the coaching staff. "If there are any scapegoats, we are the players. We are the ones who have to perform," said the forward, emphasizing that the team must assume the burden of the lack of wins.
The context is not unrelated to the pressure that the club faces. With only eight points in 18 games and a winless streak that has generated concern among the fans and the club's entourage, the focus has been on coach Manolo González. Lozano, however, has maintained a stance in defense of the coach, pointing out that the criticism is directed at the lack of collective performance. “The trust we have in him is great, we have been with him for many years and he has given us results,” he explained, recognizing that the figure of the coach is also under scrutiny when the results are not good.
Regarding game strategy, Lozano recalled the first and second half of a recent match against Málaga. "In the first half we did what Manolo wanted: press harder, stay calm with the ball to find spaces. In the second we didn't do it and it wasn't his motto to defend more," he explained. He pointed out that the players also made mistakes and that the team needs to consolidate defensive solidity to avoid goals in the final moments, especially against high-potential rivals like Atlético de Madrid.
The forward also spoke about the importance of the adaptation of new signings. “Cala has a very good base of structure, but others, like Bryan from Zaragoza, arrived without a preseason and must pick up the pace little by little,” he commented. Even so, Lozano highlighted the positive contribution that they are already making and that will be decisive in the next phase of the competition.
Finally, the captain addressed the relationship with the fans and the need to win at home. "For us, winning at home, regardless of the rival, is very important. It is a necessity because you have not won in games, but also an opportunity to vindicate ourselves," he stated. He stressed the importance of the intensity and passion that the club expects from its players when they play in front of their fans, and concluded that the team is psyched to score points in each match and regain the trust that the club and the fans have in them.