Quique Sanchez Flores has told Espanyol fans they ‘have the right to dream’ after their side made it ten games unbeaten in all competitions.
Sunday’s 2-1 win over Sporting Gijon brought the Catalan side into 9th and maintained their recent strong form going into next week’s clash with Barcelona.
“We don’t have to contain any euphoria, we are cautious as we know the nature of football but the fans have the right to dream, if they do that will help push us on and ensure we keep working hard for them,” explained the former Watford boss.
“Now we need to analysis this match – what went wrong and what went right, so I don’t want to talk about (next weekend’s Catalan derby) Barca.
“We don’t focus on goal scored or goals conceded, we focus on performance and the dynamic of the team and that aspect is improving, so we are happy.”
Duje Cop’s 90th minute consolation for the Asturians ended a run of 588 minutes without Espanyol conceding, a new club record set by goalkeeper Diego Lopez.
“Diego is a top goalkeeper and one who you know will always be reliable, perform well and give his defence confidence so it is not a surprise,” he continued.
“Today he did not have to do much but what he has done has been very good – he is a humble guy and will take this in his stride.”
