With 5 games to go Espanyol sit 4th, but 6 points adrift of 3rd as they look to secure a play-off spot and unlikely return to Division 1 at the first attempt.

This week the club has been rocked by the a long term injury to influential central midfielder Locatelli, who has also played his last game prior to his transfer to Valencia.

“We’ve a tough run in which includes playing the top 2 in our final five fixtures. We need to try and get 3 wins from these which i think will be enough. Game management will be important with.players walking suspensions tight ropes, whilst further injuries could blow our chances. Yesterday’s defeat against Ajax highlights how difficult division 2 is. It was comprehensive, and we need to quickly get back to winning ways, and hope thats not the start of bad run at this critical stage of the season.

Regardless of where we end up, planning is well underway for next season with a few offers on the table for Ronaldo. We have not decided if we are going to cash in yet and as a 94 rated player we will be wanting another striker in exchange.”

Espanyol have also made this seasons youth cup final, but this is very low on the managers priority list.

“Our youth team has performed excellently and is in great shape to feed the first team for many seasons to come. Like anything we have the opportunity to cash in on a couple with bids arriving for our main men, Leonardo and Johnson. We no longer need to be selling club, so we are happy to bide our time for the very best value. We’ve been cute this season, as we’ve been actively building up next seasons youth team and stealing a march somewhat, with some great players in the squad who have yet to make our youth team best 11, whilst we have 6 more youth players secured who are due to join including Monaco star Ben Seghir.
Contractually we are two seasons ahead of the expectations, so can relax somewhat as we look to turn Espanyol into a real force for seasons to come. We want a team who can get back to division 1, but more importantly stay there. Promotion this season is probably a season too soon for us, with us likely to be in a much stronger position next season. I’ve really enjoyed rebuilding this club, and now its critical we allow the organic growth to kick in, rather than look for short term success.”