As we head to the business side of the season, the games are beginning to take their toll on Espanyol. Injuries and suspensions have plagued the side in the second half of the season, with the manager struggling for continuity within the starring 11.
The power ratings had Espanyol finishing 19th this season prior to their close and mid season business, which has propelled them to the top of the table. With a team mixed with youth and experience, the first team has managed to give 94 first team appearances to the youth squad this season, an achievement the manager is proud off.
The team has made it through to the Semi Finals of the WCC cup where they will face a mammoth task of trying to upset the odds against a very strong Porto side, whilst the youth team needs to overcome a 2-1 deficit in their quarter final youth Cup match against Torino.
“We are overachieving in terms of of our own expectations, there is some very strong teams. We have bought well in terms of adding some nice ratings in midfield and wide , but that’s only half the story when you consider our 86s and 87s in defence and 88GK. Our aim this season was to continue to develop the young players whilst trading ourselves up the table, and whatever happens between now and the end of the season we have already achieved that. We continue to service both pots of the squad and are finding ourselves with overspill of talented young players, which has seen us give away a few to keep balance in all positions, with another 2 or 3 likely to be released before the end of the season to make way for Engels, Ferri and Outtara who are all due to join.
We could end the season with no achievements in terms of silverware and promotion, but another season in division 2 wouldn’t be a bad thing right now to allow us to develop further with the updates. I’m not expecting wholesale changes next season, our older players will 100% stay now, whilst updates should aid our young defence”
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