RCD Espanyol faces debut in the group stage of the Europa League at home against Ferencváros

The pericos arrive with boosted morale after last weekend's victory in LaLiga Santander against SD Eibar, with a comeback thanks to the goals of Facundo Ferreyra (who ended up injured) and Esteban Granero. Therefore, David Gallego, the coach of the blanquiazul team, appeared in a press conference to assess the preview of the match with the Hungarian team, all in statements collected by the As newspaper.

Full confidence:

"Today is special. Espanyol has not competed in a group stage in Europe for a long time, 12 years. It is a special day for all pericos. We arrive with very good feelings and in the best emotional moment. It was seen against Eibar, 100%, the foundation we want to grow in the game. We were an intense and supportive team, and we knew how to compete. We are aware that we must take a step forward in the offensive game. Let's see if we can achieve it tomorrow."

Possible changes:

"The idea is to try to make a team that has the security of competing 100% on Thursday and another team on Sunday. There are players who are coming back from injuries, who have not competed for a long time and it penalizes us. Last week, Calleri had not played for 4 months and his recovery is complicated. If he plays tomorrow, it will be difficult to have him on Sunday. I am going to dedicate myself to making 2 teams that, in terms of intensity, can be at 100%."

Victory in Ipurua:

"The team competed very well, worked for 15 days on the fundamentals, improving physical condition, being more intense and supportive. If you are not in a good shape, you cannot win in Eibar, let alone make a comeback. Emotionally, it has been very good for the team. Now we have to take a step forward in terms of offense because there is potential for it. We have to grow based on the foundation we have."

Ferencváros:

"We know the potential of the opponent. We have the experience of the previous rounds, which everyone considered very easy eliminations and they all made it difficult for us. They are league champions, they have been in the third round of the Champions League and are experienced. They have 10 internationals and that is the potential that the team has. They are very supportive, it's hard for opponents to create goal-scoring chances and they have a very good defense-attack transition. We have to be very attentive."

Absence of Ferreryra:

"It will affect us because when you have one less player, the team weakens. Besides, he is scoring easily. It is an important absence, but I'm not worried. I have players who can replace him with a high level and are waiting to participate. We have blind confidence in everyone."

Is it the right moment?:

"I am very ambitious and always imagine that we can be better. I am aware of the process that the team is going through and it is natural. Also, other important players have left, but it is not an excuse. Emotionally, we are in a very good state and in terms of intensity and physical condition, the team is in optimal shape, 100% ready to compete. In terms of the game, we do need to improve, there is a lot of talent to get our team hooked. That's the goal."

Team's form:

"What helps is persistence. Work, work, and show them that the idea we have is the idea for people to enjoy and get hooked."

About Campuzano and Wu Lei:

"They are training fantastically and they have to wait for their moment. There are players who can play without problems. We have many options in the offensive game to replace Ferreyra. But there are no two identical players."