Manolo confirms two absences and targets more Bryan Zaragoza

Jofre and Kike García, the only absences

Manolo González confirmed that Jofre Carreras and Kike García will not be available for the game against Racing.

«Only these two absences. The squad is the same as last week, the 24 available», he explained.

As a result, the rest of the squad will be at the coach's disposal.

Puado improves, but will keep managing his minutes

Javi Puado continues to progress physically after his long injury, although Manolo still has not confirmed when he will return as a starter.

«Every day he is getting better. His physical and confidence evolution will determine when he plays more minutes or fewer», he said.

His involvement will continue to depend on how he feels and the training load.

Bryan Zaragoza needs to take on more prominence

The coach wants Bryan Zaragoza to have greater involvement in the attacking play, making the most of his ability to unbalance opponents.

«We have to try to make Bryan more of an influence, get him more balls and give him more situations so he shows up much more», he said.

Roberto Fernández and defensive adjustments

Manolo defended the team's attacking output and dismissed the idea that Roberto Fernández is too isolated in attack.

In defense, he acknowledged they need to improve their ruthlessness after the goals conceded in the closing stages. He pointed to mistakes in actions involving Hartman, Roger Hinojo and Urko, although he insisted that responsibility is collective.

The coach did not preview specific changes to the starting XI, but is looking for an Espanyol that is more aggressive defensively and more secure with the ball to get back to winning.