• Simón. Does not rule out public in the stands in Phase 3

There is very little left for the ball to roll again on the grass of the Cornellà-El Prat campus in a League match. On this occasion, and until further notice, without an audience in the stands. An unprecedented situation that requires unprecedented measures . On game day everything will be very different than usual.

In the Bundesliga, the first competition to be restarted in Europe, playing at home has lost importance. And that, for a team, like Espanyol, that is fighting to avoid the hell of relegation can be one more stick on the wheels. “We are working against the clock in many measures so that the player feels the warmth of the fan, to have that communion. For us, the field factor is very important », points out Josep Toldrà, director of Operations for Espanyol and head of the stadium.

«All initiatives are going to be regulated and unified by the League. Each stadium will not do what it sees fit. It is about following a guideline, a regulation, to avoid disorder. From various areas, such as social, security or marketing, we are working on various ideas to bring the warmth of our fans , who are very faithful, one more protagonist, to our players. They will not feel alone. For example, we want to continue commemorating the 21st minute in memory of Dani Jarque. It is about regulating it, just as it is done with camera positions in broadcasts, "he emphasizes.

From Toldrà's point of view, the fact that the Espanyol stadium is attached to a shopping center should not make it more difficult to control that there are no crowds in the vicinity. "Everything will be done with the best criteria of safety and health, both for the players and the people who will be part of the interior of the stadium and those who will be outside, working together with the security and coordination department from the police to comply with what the health authorities ask us. It does not have to be more complicated, but it will be necessary to pay more attention. It is possible that there are fans who want to get closer, but we will ensure that there is always a good coexistence ", says the director of Operations at Espanyol.

The green Zone

The restrictions, of course, will also be very important within the stadiums. "In terms of cleaning and disinfection, for example, the green area will be the most restricted and of the highest security. It is where the players, the changing rooms and the playing field will be. It must be disinfected 24 hours before the game is held and sealed until four hours are left to dispute it, "explains Toldrà.

“There is a requirement that must be met. Before the pandemic was declared, there were already a number of stipulated pre-jobs that were carried out 24 hours before games. In this case, the process begins about 72 hours before and does not represent more work, but more rigor in complying with them, "he insists.

The fact of having had 10 cases of positive for coronavirus in the club, in addition, was already a first touch of attention. “ We have been the most affected team and, therefore, from the club's medical services there is greater awareness, because it has touched us squarely. Fortunately, they have not been serious cases and they are already recovered, but when it touches you closely, it makes you pay more attention to the risk that exists, "says the stadium manager.

“We will have to be more aware, from all areas. It will be a different game and we will have enough professionals to guarantee its good development, always respecting the maximum numbers that have been set. Our goal is that there is tranquility and order, and also that you can compete in the best possible way, "he says.

The weather will also be another factor to consider. “The conditions of June and July are not the most favorable and, in addition, there will be an intensity that no pitch is used to. It will require an effort in terms of resources and personnel to be in the best possible condition. It is not going to be easy, it is something we have never encountered before », says Toldrà.

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