Espanyol manager outlines plan to stop Barcelona talisman – ‘What we did against Madrid…’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona lock horns with local rivals RCD Espanyol in the Catalan derby on Thursday night away from home.

The Blaugrana go into the game on the back of a stunning 4-3 comeback win over Real Madrid with the La Liga title almost in the bag.

Meanwhile, Espanyol face Barcelona after three consecutive matches without a win, aiming to secure their safety from relegation.

Manolo Gonzalez’s plan to stop Lamine Yamal and Barcelona

Addressing the media in his pre-match press conference, Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez acknowledged that it will be a difficult game for his team but expressed confidence that they can get the job done.

“It’s a complicated match, very difficult,” admitted Gonzalez, before adding, “If we compete at the level we did in the second half of the season, we’re capable of beating anyone.”

Espanyol face a great threat in the form of Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal who has been in sensational form of late. However, Gonzalez stated that his team can stop the youngster and the rest of the Barça attack if they follow through on their plan.

“Defend a lot and run a lot, which is what we did against Madrid and other games. Very good players have come here and we’ve managed to make teams suffer here and that’s what we have to do tomorrow,” he stated, outlining his plan to stop Yamal.

In sublime form. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Continuing, he added: “Make sure they are not comfortable, run a lot and be organised. It’s a demanding game and also the level that Lamine Yamal brings today is important.

“But I repeat, Madrid were playing at a high level when they came here and we managed to stop them as well.”

The Espanyol coach believes the key to stopping Barcelona lies in a complete performance, as he said:

“Defending and attacking very well. Above all, defending is important because Barça have spectacular numbers. Our mentality is also important because they are going to demand a lot from us. That’s non-negotiable.”

On Barcelona’s season, the Espanyol coach was full of praise, saying:

“They are a great team, as they have shown. The results and performances speak for themselves. They reached the Champions League semi-finals and are close to winning La Liga on their own merit. No one handed anything to them.”

Asked whether Espanyol would form a guard of honour if Barcelona arrive as La Liga champions, he replied: “I care about what my team and my club do. Everything else does not concern me.”

Source: SPORT