Gorosabel arrives at Espanyol looking to regain his rhythm after an unusual pre-season

Andoni Gorosabel was presented as the new player for Espanyol after his loan move from Athletic. The full-back said he still needs to get up to speed before he is available to compete and detailed what his first days with the team have been like.

“Well, in the end, it is true that I come from a bit of a strange pre-season. I had an adductor problem and, with the whole situation around my departure, I have not been able to build much rhythm. I have not played any friendly matches, so I do not know. I think the first thing is to get rhythm as soon as possible and, when the coach sees that I am ready, to start contributing. And the second thing, well, everything is going well. Everyone has welcomed me really well, with no problems at all, and I know a few people, so for now, everything is going very well.”

A collective goal set by survival

The defender put survival as Espanyol's first objective, although he also pointed to the possibility of improving on last season's numbers.

“Well, in the end, I think it is a team that competes in every match, as it has done up to now, that at home is strong, and the ambitions, in the end, I think, like all teams, first is to stay in the category. And then, from there, to look to improve the results from last year and keep getting better every season. So, well, survival, I think, is the first objective, but from there, everything that means improving what was done last year will be good.”

Gorosabel also highlighted how tough the competition is and expressed confidence in the chances of the blanquiazul side to put together a good campaign.

“Well, in the end, as we saw last year, La Liga is very competitive and every season it is more difficult, right? But, well, I think there is a team to have a good year, for what I am telling you, to improve the results from the previous season. And, on an individual level, the same: to give my best, to have a better season than the one I had last year, and that will surely help the team.”

Freedom to adapt to the system

The new Espanyol full-back said he is used to operating in different setups and that he would have no problem playing in a more advanced position if the coach requires it.

“Yes, well, in the end I think that in the different clubs where I have been I have played in different ways, with different systems, and, well, at Alavés I also had that freedom to be higher up. The truth is that I also feel really good, really comfortable, and if that is how you have to play, from my side there is no problem.”

The continuation of Gorosabel beyond the loan will depend on his performance and on how the season develops, although the player acknowledged that he would be willing to stay if he feels comfortable.

“Well, in the end that will also depend on my season, right? On the team's, on mine, on how everything goes. But, well, it is clear that if I feel comfortable, if I am at ease and things are going well, I would be delighted.”

The backing of his team-mates

During his first days as an Espanyol player, the defender has had the support of Unai Núñez, with whom he shared a season at Athletic.

“And, well, yes, we played at Athletic for a season and the truth is that it is very comfortable. I get on really well with him.”

He also explained the conversation he had with Urko during these first days at the club.

“Yes, these two days I have been talking with him. This is what he told me: to stay calm, that I am going to be very well, that the group is very good, that the city is too, that the fans support you a lot and, well, that I should stay calm, because it is sure to go great.”

He is taking the change of club and city with enthusiasm, after being close to other destinations during his career.

“Well, what you are saying, right? In the end, I have been very close in those cities and, well, it is a small change, but I am taking it with enthusiasm, with the desire to get to know another city, another fanbase, another club and, nothing, with the desire to do well and, as I have told you, with a lot of enthusiasm.”

Gorosabel is hoping to make his debut as soon as he regains the necessary rhythm and said that the next home match would be the one he is most looking forward to playing.

“Well, in the end, the match I am most looking forward to, I do not know, the next one at home, right? The first one I can play at home. And as for what I can contribute, well, what I have told you: experience, desire, enthusiasm, work, knowing how to compete in every match and in every situation that comes up.”