Rodriguez: Espanyol win will come

Espanyol defender Raul Rodriguez insists he is 'optimistic' about the season ahead, despite his side taking one point from four games.

The Periquitos have drawn once and lost three times in La Liga so far, but the 24-year-old centre-back remains confident that the team will claim their first victory of the campaign soon.

“Three points will come if we keep playing well,” he told AS. “The team has changed considerably since the start of the season. We are optimistic and will continue to fight for three points.

“The way the team is playing does not correspond with the results we've been getting.”

Rodriguez also commended the efforts of his new central defensive partner Diego Colotto, who joined in the summer from Deportivo La Coruna.

“One player cannot change the whole team. But on the other hand, it would be absurd to think that a player of his quality could not improve us.”

Mauricio Pochettino's men travel to Real Betis this weekend.