No departures are being considered at the end of this transfer window

Espanyol will travel to San Sebastián with confidence as they prepare to face Real Sociedad in one of the standout fixtures of the second round of La Liga. After kicking off their season with a positive result on the opening matchday, the Barcelona-based side is eager to maintain momentum and prove they can compete consistently against Spain’s top teams.

On Friday morning, the squad gathered at the RCDE Stadium for their final training session before departure. The session, which lasted nearly two hours, focused on tactical adjustments, set-piece drills, and transitional play all areas that coach Manolo González believes will be critical against a Real Sociedad team known for their fluid passing and quick transitions. Spirits were high, and the players appeared motivated, with the coaching staff emphasizing intensity and focus ahead of what promises to be a difficult trip to Anoeta.

After training, González addressed the media, providing both updates on the squad and his outlook for the upcoming clash. He made it clear that Espanyol do not anticipate any late exits during the final stretch of the summer transfer window, a statement that will reassure fans worried about losing key figures. “No departures are expected at this stage,” the coach confirmed, sending a strong signal of stability and unity within the group. Stability in the squad is something Espanyol have often lacked in recent years, particularly in windows where financial pressures have forced sales. This time, González’s comments suggested a different, more settled approach.

One of the main talking points surrounded Koleohoso, the young talent whose eligibility and role had been a matter of speculation in recent weeks. The coach clarified the situation, saying: “He is registered and will travel with the group.” His inclusion gives Espanyol another attacking option and increases depth in a squad that has been carefully restructured over the summer.

González also provided a detailed explanation of his tactical vision, particularly concerning Espanyol’s attacking structure. “What we discussed with the sporting management is having two players for each side, and now we have them,” he said. “We must also include Javi, although we see him more as a second striker that’s where he performs best. In attack we’ve rebuilt the team so that he plays as a second striker and defends as a winger.” His comments reflected a flexible, adaptive philosophy where players are expected to contribute in multiple roles depending on the situation. The idea of having “two players per flank” underlines the coach’s concern with energy management and physical demands, especially in wide positions where the modern game requires both defensive tracking and attacking output. González expressed satisfaction with the options now available to him, pointing out that Dolan and Luca are capable of switching between right and left, offering tactical versatility.

Espanyol’s strategy appears to be built on balance: creating depth across attacking lines while also ensuring defensive coverage. This balance will be crucial against Real Sociedad, a team that thrives on exploiting space in wide areas and pulling opponents out of shape. Having players like Javi, who can operate as both a secondary striker and a winger, gives Espanyol the possibility to adjust mid-game, shifting between formations without making substitutions.

When asked about the mindset going into such a challenging away fixture, González stressed the importance of ambition and belief. “We always go out to win. It’s a tough match, but we always enter with the mindset of winning,” he insisted. His words echoed a growing confidence within the squad, which has shown signs of improvement compared to the inconsistencies of previous campaigns. The coach also struck a realistic note, acknowledging the quality of Real Sociedad: “You’re playing against eleven players of very high quality, and the opponent pushes you back as well. There will be moments when we’ll have to defend, but the team must also be ready to attack.”

Real Sociedad, fresh from their own strong start to the season, represent one of the toughest tests Espanyol will face in the early rounds. Imanol Alguacil’s side finished in the top four last season and will once again be pushing for Champions League qualification. Known for their technical midfielders, quick ball circulation, and attacking width, they are particularly dangerous at Anoeta, where their fans create a challenging atmosphere for visiting teams. Espanyol’s ability to stay compact, defend as a unit, and exploit counterattacking opportunities will likely determine the outcome.

For Espanyol supporters, this match serves as an early barometer of the team’s ambitions. A positive result against a Champions League-caliber opponent would reinforce the belief that the club can compete for a place in the top half of the table and perhaps even push for a European spot. More importantly, it would symbolize a turning point, showing that the painful relegation and subsequent rebuild of recent years are firmly in the past.

The presence of players like Dolan, Luca, Javi, and Koleohoso adds excitement, as fans are eager to see how these names contribute to the team’s new dynamic. At the same time, González’s insistence on depth and rotation suggests that he is planning not just for one match but for the long season ahead. His careful balance of optimism and pragmatism reflects the mindset he wants his squad to adopt: respect the opponent, but never fear them.

As Espanyol make the journey north to San Sebastián, anticipation is building. The RCDE faithful know this game will be a real test of their side’s progress, and González’s words have set the tone: ambition, resilience, and the will to compete against the very best. The match against Real Sociedad may not decide the season, but it could go a long way in defining the identity of Espanyol under their current coach.