Manolo González praises Raphinha and criticizes the appointment of a Catalan referee for the derby

Víctor García Verdura has been appointed as the main referee for the derby between Espanyol and FC Barcelona this Saturday in Cornellà (9:00 PM CEST). The Catalan referee will officiate his first match between 'pericos' and culés, an appointment that the coach of the 'blanquiazul' team, Manolo González, considered unfortunate.

"I should stay out of it, but I think it's a mistake. These are things that don't make sense and it's creating unnecessary controversy. The CTA has made the decision and let's hope it's not against us. I hope the pressure doesn't backfire on the referee," the Galician coach began.

In this regard, he considers it unnecessary to add more pressure to García Verdura, although he left a controversial phrase about what any favorable refereeing decision for Espanyol on Saturday would mean

"If the referee is scrutinized very closely in a normal match, imagine tomorrow no matter what happens. Imagine what could happen if Espanyol benefits, it's better to leave Catalonia if that happens"

Manolo González warns Espanyol fans about their hostility towards Barça

Regarding the atmosphere expected in the stands at Cornellà, with maximum pressure against Barça, González was clear in warning the 'periquita' fans about **the consequences any violent behavior will have** on Saturday. The coach understands that there may be chants against the *culés*, but this does not mean crossing the line.

"The fans will put pressure on, logically, but we're not going to come to the game with bouquets of roses, it's common sense (...). But people also have to be aware that **the first ones harmed if something happens are the club, the team, the fans, and everyone**"

"What's happening here is that everyone is waiting for Espanyol to mess up so they can get their hands on them somehow, but that's not going to happen"

Similarly, the Espanyol coach asked Barça "not to give lessons in behavior," recalling the reception of Luis Figo at the beginning of the century about what a hostile climate against opponents entails"The public has to be very calm, isolated from all of this. If there's a moment that marks Barça and they celebrate it in a strange way, stay calm, don't get into that," he pointed out.

Praise for Raphinha and Barça's Collective Play

On the other hand, Manolo González did not hesitate to praise Barcelona's talent, especially a Raphinha whom the Galician coach considers key in the Barça attack.

"He's not talked about much, but for me he's decisive. Other players are talked about a lot and he's overlooked, but he's a vital player for what Barça does. You have to attack well and defend well too," argued the Espanyol coach.

Regarding Barça's current situation, González believes that Barça is a "high-level team with great records" against which his players cannot make mistakes. "We will have to know how to suffer, defend together, find spaces well, there are many keys," the 46-year-old coach concluded.

Manolo arrived at Espanyol's bench in March 2024. Three months later, he managed to get the 'pericos' promoted to the First Division and, in the 24/25 season, he saved the team from relegation on the final matchday with 42 points, although they finished 14th in the standings.

This season, the 'pericos' have already accumulated 33 points in 17 matches, 9 less than they obtained during the entire previous season. Their great first half of the season keeps them in Europa League spots (5th), having lost only a couple of matches at home and four in the first half of the league.