New Espanyol Coach Constantin Galca has outlined the kind of team he intends to build as he replaces former teammate Sergio Gonzalez.
Sergio was sacked on Monday with Galca, who spent a decade in Spanish football and four years at Los Periquitos, appointed as his successor on the same day.
“I want to thank the club for the opportunity to return home. I’m another Periquito, I’ve followed the team,” the double-winning trainer of Steaua Bucharest said, Marca reports.
“I’ll give everything to achieve a good level. I think there are good players and good staff here. I like my teams to have a great deal of the ball. If we have we wear down the opposition.
“With the players we have in midfield and attack we can destabilise everyone and hope to play a game the supporters like and get them on our side.
“The players have the dream of improving and that’s a positive. Some of the others are concerned. It’s a bit of everything.
“I want an intense and aggressive team. If we want the ball, we have to recover it as soon as possible. I want a tight team, without much space between the lines.
“I haven’t seen a lot of Espanyol games live, but I’ve recorded them. I still follow Espanyol because I’m a supporter and I suffer with the team. There is extraordinary potential in these players.
“My philosophy is to have a very strong group in which everyone feels they’re in the team and, from there, all the players enjoy it. Training will be at the service of the players and will provide clear ideas for matches.”
Galca confirmed he will treat the Copa del Rey seriously and revealed how the appointment came about, and was asked if he has spoken with Sergio.
“We have to win every game. I’m not going to give anything away. The Cup interests me,” he confirmed.
“I’ve spoken only a little [with Sergio]. He was my roommate. We’ve talked a little about the team. This isn’t a situation that happens often in football.
“I wanted to talk with him more but didn’t have time. I think Sergio’s work is there. I was called on Saturday. It’s all happened very quickly.
“There’ll be changes in the way of playing, for sure. My opinion is that Espanyol have to play 4-2-3-1, so I have that quite clear.”
Galca was asked about transfers to conclude his presentation, and said he would be looking in-house first of all when searching for reinforcements.
“You always look in-house. There are young players. But I’ve just arrived and I need to see all possibilities,” he said.
“My hope is to use the players and the youngsters and some can be in the first team. Espanyol has always worked with the cantera.”
