Ramón Terrats Reflects on Recent Performances and Future Aspirations at Espanyol

omidbasir- Ramón Terrats addressed the media today following the morning training session. The player has emerged as one of the key figures for Espanyol in recent weeks, providing a rare positive spotlight amid a difficult run of results for the team. After a challenging first half of the season with limited playing time, he has recently scored his first goal against Valencia and provided a crucial assist last Saturday against Celta. Terrats is steadily regaining his form and settling into the team. In his press conference, he also discussed his future after navigating a turbulent winter transfer market.

Feeling happy and in a good place personally, he stated, “I am doing very well and feeling comfortable. I’m pleased with my teammates; I’ve found a very human, energetic, and youthful group. Furthermore, adapting has been easy; I’m in a good moment, happy, and enjoying what I have during the week and over the weekends. The past month has been noticeable for me. When I get on the field, I strive to do my best, with confidence and energy, which is very positive for me.”

He expressed complete confidence in the team: “We focus on one game at a time, which is crucial. We had a fantastic first half, although we’ve struggled a bit in recent matches. I trust the team 100%; we are working well and concentrating on executing our plans effectively. We must perform at our best in critical areas, and that’s the way forward—striving to outperform our opponents. In the end, things will come together for us.”

Regarding his contributions, he remarked, “Ultimately, numbers are important. I’m approaching the game differently; I’m trying to play in a way that suits me, moving in spaces where I feel comfortable while being a bit of a free player within the structure. Against Valencia, I succeeded in doing that. The game against Alavés required a more established game plan, but against Celta, I made a point to request the ball whenever possible. This is what I need to find.”

On facing Atlético Madrid, he acknowledged, “It won’t be an easy match. The first leg was already challenging. They are a great team, and although they didn’t perform at their best in their last match, that doesn’t detract from their quality. They have top-level players, and if we manage the game to our advantage, we can hurt them. We aim to build upon the point gained against Celta and strive to secure all three points.”

Terrats emphasized the enjoyment of his experience, saying, “I am truly enjoying this. I don’t know if this will be the last time I wear this jersey. I’m focused on savoring each day and everything happening, both good and bad. Like all players, I’d love to play every minute, but that’s not the case, so I’m trying to make the most of my opportunities. It’s a good season, and we must put our issues aside. January hasn’t gone as we wished in terms of victories, but we had a great first half, which has set our sights on fighting for greater achievements. We carry that expectation in the locker room, but we remain calm because we are doing many things correctly.”

As for his future with Espanyol, he stated, “That’s why I’m here; otherwise, I wouldn’t have come. I joined Espanyol because I see it as a fantastic opportunity for me, driven by the excitement of representing Espanyol, my home. I couldn’t let that chance slip by because I never knew if I would have it again. I choose to be at Espanyol because I believe I can sign here and stay for many years. Right now, I see myself thriving at Espanyol. I need to focus on enjoying each day, as the future is uncertain. I’ve always tried to relish what I have and acknowledge how fortunate I am. I must keep fighting to earn my place, demonstrate my value, and help the team.”

Reflecting on his challenging arrival at Espanyol, he explained, “It was a combination of factors. In my first match, I felt those nerves because it was a new situation for me, debuting in a place I had dreamed of as a child. I never intended to burden myself with the need to prove anything. I simply wanted to carry on with the momentum I had at Getafe. I think I lacked the confidence to perform and didn’t feel as integrated within the team or on the field as I do now. It wasn’t easy, but it was a learning experience that motivates me to shift that dynamic as we still have a significant season ahead. As evidenced by the numbers, I am gradually helping the team.”

He acknowledged the confidence of coach Manolo González, stating, “It was Manolo who called me to take on this role, and we discussed in the summer how I would fit into the team. He insisted that I would improve the squad and help me become the player I aspire to be. Currently, he is providing me minutes in positions where I feel more comfortable.”

Discussing his preferred position on the field, he said, “I’m open to playing wherever I’m needed. At Getafe, I found a version of myself that I hadn’t experienced at Girona or Villarreal. I came here to continue on that path. I am more comfortable playing on the right, cutting in with my stronger foot. Lately, I’ve often been on the left, but I try to drift inside to receive the ball and advance when possible. I enjoy the freedom to move around and receive the ball in any area of the field to create opportunities. That’s the direction I aim to follow during this time.”

He shared González’s message to the team: “To remain true to ourselves, play our game, and be intense in our duels because they are top-level players, and if we don’t match that intensity, they will outplay us. This is a crucial point to emphasize, especially on their home ground, where they typically exert more pressure.”

On the team’s objective, he noted, “We have 35 points; last year the team couldn’t say the same. We need to focus on day-to-day improvements because if we think about anything else, we will err. The upcoming match against Atlético Madrid is where our focus should lie, securing those three points, which will bolster our confidence to continue growing and fighting for our goals.”

Finally, he reflected on getting back to winning ways: “When a team is consistently winning or accumulating points, there’s a desire to maintain that momentum. However, when results don’t come, players may feel the pressure of wanting to win. This is something we need to improve; it wasn’t always our reality. When we won five matches in a row, the team was calm, and we didn’t feel that pressure, but now we must return to that winning mindset.”