Pol Lozano Reflects on Recent Challenges and Team Dynamics at Espanyol

This morning, Espanyol held a training session at the Dani Jarque stadium. Under the guidance of coach Manolo González, the team is focused on using this league break to work diligently, correct mistakes, and improve following two consecutive losses against Alavés and Villarreal.

Pol Lozano, one of the players who has logged the most minutes this season and has been crucial to the team’s efforts, addressed the media after training. He expressed confidence in his current form, stating, “I believe I am at my best, both personally and professionally.”

Regarding the league hiatus, Lozano emphasized the primary goal: “Our main objective is to recover from these consecutive defeats. We recognize the excellent opportunity we have at home to secure a victory against Sevilla. We need to continue focusing on our game, which has shown promise, and mentally prepare ourselves to achieve the three points we desire.”

On the upcoming Copa del Rey match against Atlético Baleares, Lozano shared his excitement: “I have played against them for many years while with the youth and reserve teams. I am thrilled that we have drawn such a challenging opponent. It will be a great field and a wonderful city to play in, and we will certainly enjoy it.”

Reflecting on the team’s performance thus far, he remarked, “If we had managed to secure a few more wins, we would undoubtedly be in a better position. However, even though we currently sit sixth in the standings, given the hard work we have put in, we deserve this placement. We have accumulated fewer points than our performances have warranted, but that is football. While we are doing well, we would be in an even better space with more points.”

Lozano also addressed the challenge of overcoming negativity following recent defeats: “As a football player, after two losses, especially one where we did not score, it feels as if we are not performing well. However, these are thoughts that must be dispelled because they are not accurate. We need to take a broader view and not solely focus on results.”

He acknowledged the understandable criticism from fans: “It’s natural for supporters to feel this way. Observing our position in the league, they naturally want us to win at home against Villarreal, a team they might consider a direct rival.”

Discussing his relationship with national team coach De La Fuente, he noted, “I have known him for many years; he was the one who gave me opportunities at the U-19 and U-21 levels. I have a strong relationship with him, and it would be a dream to be called up again.”

As one of the leaders in the squad, Lozano remarked on the respect he has earned over the years: “I definitely feel a sense of leadership in this Espanyol team. I like to take on the responsibility of being seen as a hardworking player, a role model for my teammates.”

He concluded by highlighting the high expectations for the season: “Absolutely, I believe there has been a complete shift in mentality. The fans have conveyed this to us. However, it’s true that when we don’t win, regardless of the opponent, it creates disappointment. This is human nature. Nevertheless, I consider this reaction to be positive. Last year, after losing to Villarreal, the mentality was different. The perspective has improved this year, and that is encouraging. We have taken significant steps forward as a team, and the emotional impact of losses is much stronger this year than it was last.”