We are with Manolo González

Espanyol defender El Hilali backed manager González after a 2-1 loss to Racing, saying players, not the coach, are responsible for recent mistakes.

Omar El Hilali defended former Espanyol manager Manolo González following the team's 2-1 defeat at Racing Santander. Speaking in the mixed zone, the defender said the squad remains behind their coach and acknowledged that errors in recent matches are "player things", not tactical failings.

El Hilali felt Espanyol played well in the first half but retreated after taking the lead, allowing Racing to mount a comeback. He noted that González consistently tells them to pursue a second goal after scoring, and accepted that the responsibility for failing to do so lies with the players. The defender also mentioned a potential handball by Racing's Pablo Ramón that went unpunished, which he felt could have changed the match outcome.

With Espanyol struggling for form, El Hilali stressed the team needs a win to break the negative run and reiterated that the dressing room supports their manager.