Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez has insisted his side will 'fight to the death' as they battle to avoid relegation from La Liga with just three matches remaining. The Catalan club currently sit 18th in the table, two points adrift of safety, following a run of five defeats in their last six outings.
Pressure Mounting
Gonzalez, who took over in March, acknowledged the mounting pressure but remained defiant. 'We know the situation is difficult, but we are not giving up. We will fight to the death for every point,' he told reporters ahead of Sunday's crucial clash with mid-table Getafe.
The former Espanyol youth coach has overseen just one win in nine league games since replacing the sacked Vicente Moreno. However, he pointed to improved performances in recent defeats against Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao as signs of encouragement.
Key Fixtures Ahead
Espanyol's remaining fixtures include home games against Getafe and Almeria, either side of a daunting trip to Champions League-chasing Real Sociedad. Gonzalez stressed the importance of taking maximum points at the RCDE Stadium. 'Our fans will be crucial. We need them behind us from the first minute,' he said.
The club's top scorer, Joselu, has netted 14 league goals this season but has failed to find the net in the last four games. Gonzalez backed the striker to rediscover his form. 'He is a leader and a fighter. I have no doubt he will deliver when it matters most.'
With relegation rivals Cadiz and Valladolid also struggling, the battle for survival looks set to go down to the wire. Espanyol's fate may ultimately be decided on the final day when they travel to Real Sociedad, a team with European ambitions.
Gonzalez concluded: 'We have to believe. In football, anything is possible. We will give everything until the very end.'
