Manolo González's ads and Rubi's mirror

History repeats itself. When Joan Francesc Ferrer 'Rubi' appeared in the press room after the victory against Málaga, six years ago on May 18th, which returned the team to Europe, one of the happiest days for Spanish nationalism, the coach sent an unequivocal message. "The club must be clear that it has to give its all; we have to be prepared to help the team," he said seriously. At that time, no one took the Vilassar native seriously, and a few weeks later, seeing the club's poor investment, he left for Betis , Espanyol 's current rival, through the back door.

Just like then, a couple of weeks ago, Fran Garagarza, Espanyol's sporting director, raised his voice to ask the club for a firm commitment to this team. With the virtual contract in hand, this Saturday it was Manolo González, the team's coach, who directly targeted Chen Yansheng to demand a greater "investment" (this year it was zero euros) for next season. The Galician didn't hesitate to also point out that other areas of the club must "demand more" to obtain a greater economic return that will allow the entity to achieve its desired financial and sporting objectives.

Fran Garagarza still doesn't know whether there will be a capital increase, which is key to planning for next season.

Just a few points away from mathematical safety, Betis could be the final step. A struggle has begun within the club, a sort of cold war, between the sporting and institutional sides to build Espanyol for next season. Fran Garagarza and Manolo González have won the battle for survival, and that's why they feel strong enough to demand what the Spanish nationalists also desire: an investment in players that will allow the team to take a qualitative leap forward.

Meanwhile, the club hasn't heard anything about the capital increase promised for the final stretch of the season. Neither Chen Yansheng nor Mao Ye are making any public appearances; in fact, it's Garagarza and González who have been the club's spokespersons for months.

Garagarza remains focused on zero-cost signings, while González calls for investment from the owners.

As if that weren't enough, to date, Fran Garagarza hasn't received any news regarding a capital increase that is crucial for getting out of Article 100 of LaLiga 's financial fair play regulations, a gateway to having a higher salary cap and being able to invest in players. The club's silence is worrying to all involved in the sporting sector, especially Garagarza, who are aware that another year without investment could undo all the work done.

Work continues in the offices to rebuild a squad that will lose many key players next year. They are working to extend contracts, such as those of Cabrera and Puado, but also to retain loan players who have performed well, such as Roberto Fernández. As last year, it remains extremely difficult to sign renowned players who are free agents.

Given this situation, Garagarza already called for an effort on Sant Jordi's Day. Yesterday it was Manolo González. “I spoke with Fran, we both knew this year was going to be difficult. An investment of zero euros is difficult to sustain in the First Division. That's why there has to be investment (for next season). The club's value also lies in the players, because if they do well, they'll leave you for free; you can't sell them. You have to invest and try to get it right. We have to try to get the club to invest, for the club to improve,” González admitted.

We can't fool people. Staying here has to help us grow and take steps to improve the club and the squad." Manolo González Coach of Espanyol

The coach alluded to the historic moment as important because they have achieved "a connection between the team and the fans. This year's average attendance is the best in recent years." He reiterated, "As a club, we need to take a step forward every year. We say that next year we can't sell our goal of staying up, but if the investment is zero euros, what are we going to sell?" he complained. "We can't fool people. Staying up has to help us grow and take steps to improve the club and the squad," he concluded.

At this point, he pointed out, without specifying, other aspects of the club that also need to improve. It's worth remembering that the club has yet to secure a sponsor for the stadium's naming rights, and that despite not having invested in signings in the last three transfer markets and having made significant sales, Espanyol continues to accumulate more and more debt. "There are areas of the club that need improvement. The club can't rely solely on the green; we all have to take a step forward. We all have to push ourselves," demanded González, who has become an ally of Fran Garagarza in this cold war.