Cabrera! As Espanyol prepares to play at home this Friday, optimism and smiles fill the air. Currently ranked as the eighth-best team in La Liga, with nine points, the team is eager to maintain their momentum against Sevilla. Cabrera, a key figure in the locker room, spoke with the media after training this Wednesday, expressing the team’s desire for redemption following the “harsh setback” against Athletic (4-1) in the previous round. It’s crucial for Espanyol to solidify their home advantage. A victory would not only help calm the atmosphere but also reaffirm their strength.
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The Aftermath of the Athletic Defeat
Cabrera reflected on the team’s recent loss, emphasizing that every defeat is a dagger to the heart of the blanquiazules. This emotional toll often results in heightened nerves among the players. “In this club, we have always been quite nervous,” he admitted. However, he also conveyed confidence in their abilities. The Uruguayan defender is one of the locker room leaders, setting an example for his teammates, and he is back at full fitness, hopeful that injuries will no longer hinder him.
Injury Challenges
Addressing his injury concerns, Cabrera said, “I have lacked the continuity of matches to feel good. I came out of pre-season with an injury. After that, I might have rushed back and suffered another, but now I feel very well.” He added, “The other day against Athletic, I played 45 minutes, and it helped me. I am always ready for whatever the coach needs from me, no matter where I am positioned.”
Team Performance Improvement
Cabrera praised the team’s progress: “We have grown a lot; we are beginning to find our virtues. In pre-season, we had a game plan, perhaps influenced by last year, but our opponents and the category have forced us to adjust our playing style: to be more vertical, to try to press higher, and to transition more effectively. We have the points we expected; we could have more, yes, but we won the key matches against rivals that will be very direct at the end of the season, and we are strong at home.”
The Nervous Atmosphere
He acknowledged the nervous atmosphere surrounding the club: “Here, we have always been quite nervous, and it’s understandable. We have gone through very tough times together, and we don’t want to experience that again. The recent match against Athletic was a tough blow. It’s the second time it has happened to us. In this league, if you don’t start well, it can lead to situations like this; in Valladolid, they score one, but when you play against a big team, it can end up 4-0.” Cabrera emphasized that this type of loss does not represent them or the club.
Despite the pressure, he remains optimistic. “The calendar is tough, regardless of who comes, but we have great confidence in our abilities. When we are at home, we are strong. The fans are rallying behind us, and it’s crucial they continue to do so. Away from home, it will be much colder, and the atmosphere will be hostile, so returning home should motivate us. No matter who we face, the team must stand tall. Also, away, but the responsibility is felt double at home.”
The Struggles of Footballers
Cabrera poignantly stated, “Except for the chosen few in football, most of us always suffer. I suffered during my time at Atlético, Recre, Numancia, Hércules… The only times I didn’t suffer in these 16 years were during my debut in La Liga, which was all excitement, and at Getafe, where I enjoyed three very good years. But the reality for most footballers who aren’t fighting for Champions League or League titles is this. I hope this season brings more satisfaction than suffering, but ultimately, you tally it up at the end of the season. While competing, enjoyment is scarce, even when you win. There’s no doubt about that.”
Upcoming Match Against Sevilla
Cabrera anticipates the challenge against Sevilla: “This is a very important match because I don’t know if they will be at the bottom by the end of the season, but last year they were fighting down there. If they are struggling this year, it is urgent that we beat them. It’s also a chance for us to redeem ourselves after the last match. Plus, it’s at home. The team will go all out when necessary; we compete very well. Sevilla is Sevilla, but we will take advantage of their situation and ours, or we will try to.”
Playing Style and Strategy
Cabrera emphasized the importance of concentration and adaptability in their style of play: “It’s about understanding how to play the match. The formation is somewhat irrelevant if you know what to do. We must interpret and adjust our game style. We need to start concentrated, be smart, and when our game plan gets stuck, we must quickly find a way to improve the situation. We need to be alert to make significant changes effectively.”
Analyzing Sevilla
Regarding Sevilla, Cabrera noted, “They are a very competitive team, a historical club in the competition. Their goal is not to be at the bottom, but they must analyze what is going wrong. We will not waste time pondering this; instead, we should identify their weak points and how they can harm us, as they have their methods. We must compete at the highest level and be strong, which is our virtue.”
Importance of Keeping a Clean Sheet
He also highlighted the significance of maintaining a clean sheet: “It’s crucial for all teams, and we have only achieved it once. It’s a bit painful for defenders in this respect. But we work as a unit because clean sheets can be broken by fouls, corners… that’s a collective responsibility. The fewer chances we allow, the better. The sooner we can secure matches, the better. If we can’t achieve a clean sheet, winning is more important. Although, of course, the sooner we close the door, the easier it will be.”
