BARCELONA, Spain — Espanyol fans erupted with joy Saturday after their team secured survival in La Liga, ending a tense season filled with challenges. Following a hard-fought battle, the players joined the supporters on the pitch, reveling in the moment and reflecting on the journey that allowed them to continue competing at the highest level.
Despite the celebrations, there was an undercurrent of uncertainty among the players regarding their futures with the club. Joan Garcia, the standout goalkeeper known as the ‘Ángel de Sallent’, publicly announced his departure. “Everyone knows the situation of the club and me. Whatever happens, I leave proud to have kept Espanyol in Primera and having my family witness it,” he said, prompting chants of ‘Joan, stay!’ from the crowd.
Another player, Javi Puado, who converted a crucial penalty to unlock the game, sent a mixed message about his future. “This will always be my home, no matter what,” he stated, stirring speculation regarding his next steps.
Manolo González, the Espanyol coach, expressed deep emotion following the team’s accomplishment, acknowledging the hard work of both staff and players. However, he issued a stark reminder of the club’s pressing need for investment in player reinforcements. “We made a zero-euro investment in Primera División with 42 points. It’s absurd how much we’ve suffered. I’m grateful to the director and the team, but this was a very tough year. Next season, it’s either invest or we’ll suffer again,” González emphasized.
He highlighted the importance of stability within the club, saying, “The future of the club depends on maintaining our place in Primera. Everybody wants to remain in Primera year after year. There has been no stability, and that’s essential. We need help to move forward,” he added.
The coach’s remarks also touched on his contract, admitting that securing survival provides him another year on his deal. “I work for the club, regardless of personal opinions. I’ve defended Espanyol through thick and thin, and I’ll continue as long as the fans and the club want me,” González concluded.
Finally, he defended Joan Garcia against past criticisms, asserting his faith in the player. “This shows you can’t judge a player solely based on one match. Two years ago, he faced heavy scrutiny, but I always believed in him to be our goalkeeper. He will be one of the future keepers of the club,” he stated.
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