Expósito's Monday blues: 'The more we moan, the more they'll schedule us then'
Espanyol midfielder Edu Expósito speaks candidly about their poor 2026 start, fixture scheduling frustrations, and his career-best form despite recent results.
Espanyol star opens up as Pericos seek to end winless start to 2026 despite remaining fifth in the table.
New year blues
Espanyol’s 2026 has started with more of a whimper than a bang. The Barcelona-based club have managed just one point from nine available, with two defeats and a draw leaving them clinging to fifth place in La Liga - a position maintained only thanks to the cushion they’d built up before the turn of the year.
Edu Expósito, speaking at the club’s Dani Jarque training complex, believes fine margins have cost his side:
“We’ve done enough to get more from these three games,” he explained. “It’s about being more clinical in the small details.”
The midfielder pointed to specific moments that have proven costly - a penalty conceded against Girona and quickly surrendering their lead against Levante in Valencia.
Monday night football frustrations
The scheduling gods haven’t been kind to Espanyol, with another Monday night fixture looming against Villarreal - something that’s clearly touched a nerve with Expósito.
In a refreshingly honest assessment that’ll resonate with fans who’ve had to pull sickies to attend weeknight games, Expósito didn’t mince his words about the Monday slot:
“It’s complicated for us, especially with it being so close to home where our supporters could travel in numbers. We don’t like playing on Mondays again in Villarreal - that’s quite a few now.”
He added with a hint of resignation: “The more we complain, the more they’ll keep scheduling us then. So we’ll keep our north and south shut, keep working and win whatever game comes our way, whatever time they put us on.”
Career-best form
On a personal note, Expósito is enjoying his football despite the team’s struggles, claiming he’s currently performing at the highest level of his career - though he admits national team talk is premature.
“Talk of the national team is miles away,” he said. “First I need to continue at this level, and yes, it’s true I’m playing the best football of my career right now. I just need to add some goals to help the team more.”
Transfer talk and club future
With the January window still open and captain Sergi Darder injured, Expósito acknowledged reinforcements might be needed, though he remained diplomatic about the club’s position.
As for his own future at Espanyol? The midfielder made it crystal clear where the ball lies:
“If they make me feel important, I have no doubts my path is here for a long time. Ultimately, it depends on them.”
Next up for the Pericos is a challenging trip to Mestalla to face Valencia, where they’ll be desperate to register their first win of 2026.