Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that Espanyol need the performance and the points to fall in their favour in the next two weeks.
Los Pericos welcome Rayo Vallecano and then Malaga to Cornella-El Prat after the international break in a pair of games that many in the dressing room have identified as must-wins.
It is the same message from Pochettino, who believes that only six points will suffice in reversing the team’s misfortune so far this term.
“The only thing that can ease and bring confidence to the team is playing a good game and getting the three points in each,” he told today’s assembled media.
“That is what everyone understands and adheres to at this time. The next game is vital to the team, because it is most important to start picking up points.
“We are aware of [what is at stake], the points tally has to increase, but I still think we deserve more than we currently have on the board.”
The Coach also made clear that the soon-to-be-held presidential elections at the club to rectify an unstable board are not an excuse to explain the team’s poor performances.
“This is not distracting us at all. We are responsible for our situation and cannot cover that up with anything, not with institutional problems.
“When the ball doesn’t go in the net, everything is magnified and the first team is affected on a day to day basis. There is some nervousness, but we have to isolate ourselves and focus.
“We have to try to make the players suffer as little as possible, they can have peace of mind and then compete in the best way possible.”
Simao Sabrosa has struggled for game-time since arriving on a free transfer this summer, but Pochettino looked to dismiss rumours of discontent.
“He has the same options open at the rest of his teammates to enter the team, but I always expect to analyse the players right up until the last possible day.”
Pochettino also responded to reports in recent weeks that first spoke of his possible departure from Espanyol and then of a reported agreement he and his staff had reached in the summer to join Villarreal.
“I take [speculation] naturally, I do not suffer for the things that I cannot control. I focus on the everyday and training.
“If I had wanted to leave [in the summer] then I would have. I had five proposals from various clubs, but Villarreal was not one of them.”
