Quique Sánchez Flores knows that the match against Espanyol isn’t going to be easy. The manager is aware of the qualities of the Catalan side and didn’t hesitate to praise their philosophy of play. “Espanyol works with a very clear idea of a Club, and that’s an advantage. They have a good manager who has been with those players for some time and they’re a direct rival, as they’re in a position that we want to be in. I like this team. They’re electric and tough to stop, but we really want to win and you’ll see a good match. They’re persistent, they pressure in the midfield, transition quickly and send vertical passes to the four players up front, who are unpredictable. We’ll try to do the best job we can to play a more central role than them,” assured the head coach of the squad.

The ‘rojiblanco’ manager continued to analyze the encounter against Pochettino’ squad and stated that “it’s an important game, we’re playing at home, and we’re playing good matches. We’re facing a direct rival and we have to treat them the way they deserve. We want to play a good match and continue with the good feelings we’ve been having. Creating an optimistic atmosphere with our supporters so that they have a good time is vital. We’re playing against an uncomfortable opponent that is playing very well, above the goals they set for themselves at the beginning of the season, and that allows them to play relaxed. We have to go out and play our football.

“I said a few weeks ago that the ideal situation would be to go into the holidays in Champions spots. The sooner we ensure ourselves of that position, the better. That way, the players will take the pitch with less pressure and the same intensity; that’ very important,” he stated.

Regarding the play that his team has been displaying over the course of the year, Quique explained that “I always acknowledge my team, in all situations, and have never been opportunistic, whether they play well or poorly. They’re our players. I know them and I know when they play one way or another. Fortunately, now they’re in the form we’d been looking for since the beginning of the season. I’m calm, as even in the most difficult matches, Real Sociedad or Real Madrid, they have always responded and didn’t lose their way.”

Atlético de Madrid will play against Espanyol and Aris Salonica in a three-day time period. Quique assured that “I haven’t thought about doing rotations. The team is fine physically, and is responding. I’m paying more attention to the recovery of my players and bringing them along in their best form. With respect to Asenjo, our idea is to get all of the players fit. We always have to look for the best option for the team. Right now we have to be careful with Sergio, as he’s been injured for six months. He has to get back into full training before anything else. He’s training well and that’s good.”

Concerning the consistency of his team since the beginning of the season, the head coach asserted that “we’re chasing the same dreams as our fans, who feel pleased with their team. We’ve achieved many things, we’ve done away with labels and we’ve overcome barriers with hard work and perseverance. We want to be a different group that makes history. The only thing that exists in the world of football is to work hard and keep working. We’re searching after our dreams and chasing them.”

To finish, he was asked about the state of Assunçao: “He’s not like he’s been on previous occasions. We’re paying close attention to him to make sure he gets his position back within the group. Beyond that, when I look at the minutes of the players in the squad, I notice that they’re very well divided between the 22 members. Physically we’re fresh, and the players feel good,” Quique Sánchez Flores wrapped up.