Espanyol manager Luis García has launched a strong critique of the refereeing his team has faced this season, just days before the crucial derby against Barcelona on December 31.
“We are not going to put a bandage on before the wound,” García stated emphatically in his pre-match press conference, using the vivid phrase to underscore his frustration. He made it clear his comments were not about the upcoming match at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, but a review of the entire campaign so far.
The manager pointed to specific incidents, highlighting the 2-2 draw with Real Betis on December 20. In that match, a potential penalty for Espanyol was not awarded after a challenge on Javi Puado. “Against Betis, it was a clear penalty on Puado that was not given,” García said. “That is a point we lost due to a refereeing decision.”
He also referenced the 1-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid on December 12, where a goal from striker Martin Braithwaite was disallowed for offside. “Against Atlético, we had a legal goal from Braithwaite ruled out,” he added, listing another decision that went against his side.
Despite these grievances, García insisted his team’s focus remains unwavering. “We are only thinking about working and competing,” he affirmed. He stressed that the objective for the derby is to “compete to the maximum” against a Barcelona side he described as “one of the best teams in the world.”
The match marks the first league derby between the two sides since Espanyol’s promotion back to La Liga. Currently, Barcelona sits third in the table, while Espanyol occupies 16th position.
