Espanyol coach references Luis Figo when rejecting behaviour ‘lessons’ before Barcelona derby | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to begin their 2026 campaign with a high-intensity Catalan derby against RCD Espanyol, and the build-up to the clash has been anything but quiet.

While Hansi Flick addressed the media from the Barcelona side, Espanyol coach Manolo González delivered a fiery and outspoken press conference that set the tone for the encounter, as reported by MARCA.

González first turned his attention to the appointment of Catalan referee García Verdura, a decision he believes adds unnecessary pressure to an already volatile fixture. Explaining his concerns, the Espanyol coach said:

“I don’t think it’s necessary; it puts pressure on the referee that isn’t needed. Because whatever he does, it will go against him. If in a normal match the referee is already under heavy scrutiny, imagine tomorrow, whatever happens. Imagine what could happen if Espanyol end up benefiting — it would be better to leave Catalonia if that happens.”

Before shifting to footballing matters, González also addressed the atmosphere surrounding the derby and the role of the fans, stressing the need for calm despite the rivalry. He explained that derby tension is normal and should not cross certain lines, stating:

“The fans will push, logically, but we’re not coming to the match with bouquets of roses — that’s common sense. Just like when we go to Camp Nou, and they chant ‘Second Division’ at us and nothing happens. These are normal things, like a Sevilla–Betis, for example. People have to be aware that if something happens, the first ones harmed are the club, the team, the fans, and everyone.“

He went on to warn about the consequences of any misconduct and made it clear that Espanyol do not want to be singled out, saying:

“If something happens that shouldn’t, the first ones affected are the fans themselves, who have season tickets and won’t be able to enter the stadium.”

González then expanded on his message of restraint and enjoyment, insisting that the occasion should remain a footballing one. He said:

“It’s a very nice year to enjoy. The crowd has to stay very calm and isolate themselves from all this. If there’s a moment when Barça score and celebrate in a strange way, stay calm and don’t react. What’s happening here is that everyone is waiting for Espanyol to mess up so they can come down on us from somewhere, but that’s not going to happen.

Manolo González also drew on a historical example to reinforce his point, referencing Luis Figo’s return to Camp Nou. He said:

“And no lectures — no lessons in behavior. Please. I have many friends from Barcelona who tell me things, and I tell them that when Luis Figo came to Camp Nou… They’re not in a position to lecture anyone. The fans will behave, and it will simply be a football match.”

Turning to Barcelona themselves, González acknowledged the scale of the challenge his team faces and praised the overall quality of Flick’s side. He said:

“They have a team with a very high level, with many different qualities and very complete. We’ll have to defend well and attack well. We’re ready to face it. We’ll need to know how to suffer, defend together, find spaces well — there are many key factors.”

Within that praise, he singled out Raphinha as a player who does not always receive the recognition he deserves. Highlighting the Brazilian’s importance, González stated:

“People don’t talk about him much, but for me, he’s decisive. There’s a lot of talk about other players, and he’s overlooked, but he’s a vital player for what Barça do. You have to attack well and defend well, too.”

Finally, the Espanyol coach made it clear that his side will approach the derby with full belief and ambition, something they have tried to instill since the beginning of the season. He said:

“We go out convinced we can beat anyone. We believe strongly in what we do, and we’re capable of beating anyone. We can knock over any opponent. Since the start of the season, we’ve wanted to change the mentality and go out to win every match. We’re very convinced of that.“

Emphasising his squad’s hunger, he concluded:

With Espanyol enjoying an impressive season and sitting fifth in the league table, there is little doubt that Barcelona face a demanding test as they look to start the new year with derby victory.