Aguirre happy for the point

Javier Aguirre commented that Espanyol could have finished 5-0 losers on Sunday, but that their 2-2 result with Real Madrid was earned.

“Justice in football is difficult to assess. I am happy for the point that my players earned, for the work that they did through the match,” declared the Mexican after Week 16’s draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“We have suffered a lot when we counter-attacked. If we had conceded four or five goals then no-one would have said anything.

“I deeply respect my opponents and like to talk about them. We played a game more suited to us and according to our potential.”

Even with this result, Aguirre took time to warn his players that their gameplan needs to develop beyond sitting back against dominant opponents.

“We are in decline and we need to improve. We took a step forward with Sevilla and I hope to maintain our form and put in a good performance on Thursday, similar or better than [Sunday’s].

“We cannot afford to have the attitude of a small team that just plays well against the big boys. We also have to try and get the ball more.”

The Coach was asked of his decision to substitute Mubarak Wakaso midway through the first half.

“If I had not taken Wakaso off then we ran the high risk of finishing the game with 10 men. The yellow card he received has conditioned things greatly and with such fast players on the pitch he was a bomb.

“I have explained the change to him and he has understood it. Furthermore, Christian Alfonso has done a good job.”

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