New Espanyol manager Javier Aguirre was happy with an effort from his team, which he described as “Exemplary”.

• By Heath Chesters    Follow @HeathFMResearch

Following the 0-0 draw with Granada CF at Nuevo Los Cármenes, new Espanyol manager Javier Aguirre said he has “good feelings” about being back in management.

It hadn’t been the easiest of starts for the Mexican, which he acknowledged by suggesting that Granada had more “chances and possession of the ball, because they had an obligation to do well,” in front of the home fans. “Whatever we can get at the moment, is good,” he noted, suggesting that every point is vital for the team.

“We were better defensively than offensively,” observed Aguirre, but praised his players by saying “the work-rate was exemplary, because they were combative and had shown team-spirit.”

Suggesting that Espanyol leaving with a point was enough for the defensive strength displayed, Aguirre noted that “we couldn’t play one to one against Granada, they would have overcome us.”

“With only two training sessions, out touch was difficult,” said Aguirre, who hasn’t had much time to work with the players since his arrival. “We had to shut the door and clench our teeth,” he said of the grinding out of a draw, but assured that “we can grow more and continue to believe in the possibilities,” of climbing out of the bottom three. A point from today’s game “was the prize of our efforts,” he concluded.

Open an account with bet365 today and qualify for 100% initial deposit bonus on up to £200