Espanyol midfielder Cala was critical after the 1‑0 defeat against Real Sociedad at the San Mamés Stadium. In the interview given to DAZN at the end of the match, the player explained that the team did not know how to keep the score and that the lack of pressure in key moments cost them the victory.
Cala was one of the new additions to coach Manolo's starting eleven, after having spent several games on the bench. Despite his participation in the only goal of the match, the player described his performance as “gray and without punch”, comparing it to that of the forwards who also showed a performance below expectations. Espanyol's game, according to Cala, was affected by the "wet gunpowder" of the opponent, which once again showed its offensive power.
The midfielder admitted that the team “knew it was going to be a tough game” and that “we didn't know how to hold on to the score, we fell too far behind.” He concluded that the defeat “hurts” and that the immediate objective is to go to the Cup match with “the best possible expectations” and recover the energy necessary to continue competing.
In his reflection, Cala also recognized the game crisis that Espanyol is going through. “It is true that we are not at our best moment, we are having a hard time linking that game and the idea of the mystic with what is reflected on the field,” he stated. He added that luck is not on their side and although the team is working hard, the results are not materializing.
Finally, the player analyzed the impact of the goals on the dynamics of the match. “When we score a goal and push in that low block, I think that takes its toll on us,” he said. With this observation, Cala stressed the importance of maintaining pressure and preventing the opponent from taking advantage of moments of advantage.
Espanyol will have to evaluate their strategy before the next Cup match, hoping that the lessons learned in San Mamés will allow them to improve their performance and avoid repeating the mistakes that cost them victory.