Espanyol Flying High: Manolo's Merry Pericos Making History at San Mamés
Espanyol boss Manolo González reflects on his side's stunning fifth straight win as they topple Athletic Bilbao away from home in a comeback victory.
Espanyol’s Christmas Crackers Stun San Mamés
Manolo González’s Espanyol side are giving their supporters the perfect Christmas present this season - a team they can finally be proud of again. The Pericos pulled off another remarkable result on Sunday, coming from behind to defeat Athletic Bilbao at the fortress that is San Mamés.
This victory marks their fifth consecutive win, continuing a run of form that has the Barcelona-based club performing at historically impressive levels. After Berenguer put the hosts ahead, Carlos Romero and Pere Milla turned things around for Espanyol in what was a proper away day masterclass.
Pride and Passion
González couldn’t hide his delight in the post-match press conference, beaming with pride at his team’s performance. The gaffer was quick to acknowledge the collective effort that’s driving their success:
“It’s a feeling of immense pride,” he explained. “The players give everything and the word ‘team’ is what best defines us.”
He’s not wrong there. Espanyol’s unity and commitment have been central to their transformation this season. The team’s ability to stay compact defensively while still carrying a threat going forward has made them a proper handful for opponents.
Fans Finally Finding Joy
What’s particularly heartwarming for González is seeing the Espanyol faithful enjoying football again after some difficult years:
“It was about time the club experienced a year where people feel happy and proud to support Espanyol,” he noted.
He’s spot on. The Pericos have had a right mare in recent seasons, bouncing between divisions and struggling to establish themselves. Now they’re giving their supporters something to shout about - and the atmosphere around the club is night and day compared to previous campaigns.
Keeping Feet on the Ground
Despite the brilliant run, González is determined not to get carried away. When asked about the team’s objectives, he revealed his practical approach:
“The players tell me I’m a vinegar bottle [pessimist], but until we reach 42 points, I don’t want to look beyond that. When we achieve that, hopefully as soon as possible, we won’t stop.”
This focus on securing safety first shows the manager’s bread and butter approach - no getting ahead of themselves despite their current position in the table.
Building on Foundations
González was keen to highlight that this success hasn’t come from nowhere, pointing to the continuity from last season’s squad and the importance of being given time to implement his ideas:
“It’s the continuation of last year. It’s a similar team to the second half of last season, and that’s important - being allowed to work and have continuity.”
This stability has been crucial, allowing Espanyol to compete even without key players like Puado, Terrats and Pickel for the Bilbao clash.
As the Pericos head into the festive period, they’re giving their fans the best Christmas present possible - a team performing above expectations and playing with heart. Who’d have Adam and Eve’d it just a few months ago?