Espanyol vs Villarreal preview - No more sales for Espanyol - 7M sport

Espanyol vs Villarreal preview - No more sales for Espanyol



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Posted Sunday, January 30, 2011 by PA

Espanyol sporting director Ramon Planes has ruled out further departures following the sale of full-back Didac Vila to AC Milan.

Didac was sold to the Serie A leaders and follows team-mate Victor Ruiz to Italy after the central defender joined Napoli earlier this week.

"Let's hope there are no more surprises, like we had with Didac," Planes said.

"That was a very quick operation and Milan showed a lot of interest in signing him, but we want to leave the squad as it is now."

Planes said the two homegrown players were allowed to leave to aid the club's financial situation and has asked fans to understand that predicament.

"I know there are people who may be hurt, but people need to understand the situations and the circumstances," he said.

The Barcelona-based side are thought to have made around 10 million euros from the two deals, but Planes says they will not be making any signings before the transfer window closes early next week.

"We won't sign anyone at all," he said.

"We have been offered a lot of players in the last 24 hours, but we will remain true to our philosophy."

Espanyol and Villarreal, the two revelations in the Primera Division this season, meet at Cornella in the Primera Division tomorrow.

Espanyol, in fifth place, have won all but one of their matches at home in the league this term and have also picked up maximum points from their last two away games.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino will be without Dani Osvaldo, Ivan de la Pena and Felipe Mattioni, who are all injured, while Raul Baena is doubtful.

Ernesto Galan returns, though, following a long spell on the sidelines.

Villarreal, meanwhile, are in third place having won 13 of their 20 matches - including the last two - this season.

Coach Juan Carlos Garrido is without Marcos Senna, but welcomes back Nilmar and Carlos Marchena from injury for the trip to Barcelona.

Nilmar could start up front alongside Giuseppe Rossi, who this week signed a new long-term deal to remain at El Madrigal until 2016.

"I'm very happy here. This club is like a family and has a bright future," Rossi said.



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