Espanyol's Pol Lozano criticizes Barcelona conduct after derby defeat
Espanyol midfielder Pol Lozano has publicly criticized Barcelona's players for a lack of respect following their heated city derby on April 11. The remarks came after Barcelona's 4-1 victory at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, a result that extended Espanyol's winless run to fourteen consecutive matches. Lozano, who scored his side's solitary goal, made his feelings clear in a post-match interview with DAZN.
Lozano stated, "It's not worth talking about, it's always the same thing. Everyone could see the respect they have for other professionals. I have nothing else to add." His comments, though vague in detail, pointed to the behavior of Barcelona's squad during their celebrations after the final whistle. The broadcast footage of the celebrations was widely circulated, fueling the discontent from the Espanyol camp.
The defeat is part of a disastrous 2026 for Espanyol, who have yet to record a victory this calendar year. The poor form has seen the Cornellà-based club, currently 10th in La Liga, slide towards the relegation battle. Defender Fernando Calero gave a blunt assessment in the mixed zone after the match, calling the team's second half of the season "real shit." The atmosphere within the squad appears tense as the threat of a fight for survival becomes more real.
For Barcelona, the derby win was a significant step towards clinching the league title, but it was marred by the post-match fallout. The incident adds another chapter to the historically fractious relationship between the two clubs. Lozano, a 24-year-old academy graduate, has been a regular fixture in Espanyol's midfield this season, making over 25 appearances. His decision to speak out underscores the frustration permeating the club.
The focus for manager Luis García Fernández must now shift to halting the team's alarming slide. With several difficult fixtures ahead, Espanyol will need to find a rapid improvement in results to avoid being dragged into a protracted relegation scrap. The club's management faces a critical period in restoring morale and unity ahead of the final stretch of the season.
