Features
JUE 16.10.2014
It is one of Spain’s best known teams. In fact, in 1928, along with other entities, they were responsible for creating what would become Spanish football's 'Primera División'. Now, many years on, they are looking to keep growing and long to secure a place among the teams who play in Europe. The foundations were set in the summer with the renewals of Sergio García, Kiko Casilla and Víctor Sánchez and the arrival of Sergio González in the dugout, who will take advantage of the excitement that comes with making your management debut in the Liga BBVA and the familiarity with the club from his playing days.
It could be said that the club's first step on their new journey was taken when they moved to a new ground; one of the spectacular gems of modern European football: the Power8 Stadium. It is a ground that oozes football and at which the 21st minute of every match has become the time to pay tribute to the late Dani Jarque.
As you would expect, the squad has undergone changes. The presence of Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ladislao Kubala has given way, with the passing of time, to a team containing a number of academy graduates, and above all, local talent. They have placed their confidence in the ambition shown by the young players who are fans of the club.
A leader on the pitch
Led by a colossal Sergio García who is surrounded by as many as eleven Catalan players, Espanyol come out every Sunday to fight with the spirit of the eternal captain, Dani Jarque, in mind. The character of the player from the city of Barcelona has been taken on by a Blanquiazul number 9 who is in the prime of his career.
With the experience gained at teams such as FC Barcelona, Levante UD, Real Betis and R. Zaragoza and after wearing the shirt of the Spanish national side, Sergio has become a genuine leader on the pitch. Despite the arrival of new players, the striker is considered the axis around which this Espanyol side spins. The recently signed Felipe Caicedo, Lucas Vázquez, José Alberto Cañas, and Salva Sevilla, are the new members of the squad.
Fresh blood in the dugout
Together with Sergio, another of the side's key players plies his trade between the sticks. Kiko Casilla came to the club during its worst times to rescue it and keep it where it deserves to be. He is another Blanquiazules icon who has shown his commitment by renewing with the club until 2019.
These giants on the pitch have a new conductor for their orchestra: Sergio González. The manager and ex-player of the club (he was there for four seasons and won a Copa del Rey) is in the midst of his first season in the dugouts of the Liga BBVA having done a sound job of managing the club's reserves. Everything seems to suggest that he is the man to lead Espanyol down the road it dreams of.
In summary, hard work, dedication and sacrifice from a 'Meravellosa Minoria' (Marvellous Minority), the motto that speaks of the club's origins and alludes to the land they are part of. For the moment, in eighth place in the Liga BBVA, the European dream is still alive. The difficult part is making it a reality in June.
© LALIGA - 2014