Espanyol Starts Preseason: First Red Lines from Manolo González

What Is Happening?

The football club Espanyol is starting its preseason (the practice period before the real games begin) with a match against UE Olot. A preseason is like a warm-up summer camp for teams.

For this first friendly test, the coach Manolo González has made a list of players who will play. That list also shows his first "red lines"—meaning clear decisions about who he does NOT want to use.

Who Is Left Out?

These players are NOT in the group for this first summer test:

• Miguel Rubio
• José Salinas
• José Gragera
• Javi Puado (left out because he is recovering from a serious knee injury—this one is normal and expected)

Important Point: Javi Puado is out only because he is hurt. The other three are out for a different reason: the coach’s choice.

Why Are Rubio, Salinas, and Gragera Out?

The cases of Miguel Rubio, José Salinas, and José Gragera point directly to a technical and market decision.

In simple words:

• The coach does not plan to use them.
• The club wants to spend less money on salaries (wages paid to players).
• These three players are being shown the "exit ramp."

They are now expected to find a new team this summer.

What This Means in Steps

1. The coach decides they are not in his plans.
2. The club wants to reduce salary costs.
3. The players are placed on the "way out" list.
4. The three must look for a new club before summer ends.

Important Point: Being left out here is a strong signal. It usually means the player will leave the club soon.

Summary

Espanyol began its preseason against UE Olot. Coach Manolo González left out Miguel Rubio, José Salinas, and José Gragera as a clear technical and financial decision—they must find new teams. Javi Puado is also out, but only due to injury recovery. The club aims to cut salary costs by moving these three players on.

FAQ

1. What does "pretemporada" mean?
It is the preseason—a set of practice matches and training before the official season starts.

2. Why is Javi Puado not playing?
He is healing from a serious knee injury, so his absence is normal and not a coach’s decision.

3. What does "red line" mean in this context?
It means a clear limit or decision made by the coach about which players are not part of his plans.

4. Will the three excluded players definitely leave?
The article says they are obliged to seek a new destination this summer, so yes, they are expected to leave.