Sergio Gonzalez urged the Espanyol players in the squad for the Copa del Rey game against Levante to see it as ‘an opportunity’.
The trainer confirmed at his pre-match Press conference that there would be a number of new faces brought up from the B team, as well as first team fringe players, and denied the Cup was taking a back seat to La Liga.
“The squad is an opportunity for those who are playing fewer minutes to realise their potential and prove something,” he said, AS reports.
“Hopefully it’s seen as a positive, individually and collectively, so that those who play regularly don’t relax and see they are under pressure. The message we want to send is that there is competition in every position.
“The Copa del Rey has an important value, for me. It’s not a hindrance, rather it motivates and excites me. But within that you have to see the work behind you and find the competition between players of the same position. The only way to do that is in the Cup.”
The trip to Ciutat de Valencia is the first of a double-header with Les Granotes, who travel to Cornella-El Prat in the League this weekend.
“I don’t like playing two games against the same opponent. But it’s true you can focus on where you hurt them, and they can do that to you too,” Sergio continued.
