Laudrup: ‘It’s a great result’

Michael Laudrup was in the press conference room to give his opinion about the victory against Espanyol 1-0:

“It’s been a typical first match. In the first half we played well for some time, but we couldn’t expect to play perfectly because there were many players who were new to the team. We had luck in the second half with the goal, but you have to look for that luck in the first place. Then we both had two or three chances to score. It was obvious that there is still some preparation to do because we’ve played 90 minutes, and these aren’t friendly games any more. The last game was more than three months ago. It’s a great result to begin with three points. I am very happy with the result, but I know that we can and we must play better, and we will in a few more games.

“The newbies are giving all they have, they have done their part. In the defence we have three new players out of four, it’s where I concentrated the most because in that line it’s important that they talk to one another because there can be doubts. We kept our goal intact. Hemed has fought a lot, but he also wants to score goals, he has worked very well. Alfaro played his part, and it’s clear that the new ones still need to catch up.  Cáceres, Alfaro, and Gianni didn’t play much last year. We can’t ask them to play 90 minutes after the first day. It will take them two or three months to get to the best level.

“De Guzmán’s behavior is normal. I know the players, they are professionals. As I said, we all have our problems when we are outside; when we are here, we’re here. Jonathan has proven that, it’s called professionalism.

“Regarding the arrival of a striker: Let me enjoy this important victory tonight. We can think both before and after the game, but for me we’re still in the game. When I get home I’ll think about other things”.