Espanyol’s Omar El Hilali Optimistic Despite Club’s Struggles

Despite the current difficulties of Espanyol, who are fighting for their survival in La Liga, Omar El Hilali displays unwavering optimism and unshakable confidence in his team. "We will have to stay united all year, because if we don’t get ourselves out of this, no one will come to help us," he said.

Regarding his future, the young man is considering a career change to become a schoolteacher after his football career. He also explains the reasons that led him to choose to represent Morocco on the international stage, a choice dictated by his heart and the desire to make his parents proud. "My heart guided me towards Morocco, and I wanted to make my parents proud. I never had any doubt, and even today, I wouldn’t change that for anything in the world," he said.

Family attachment is an essential value for Omar El Hilali, who still lives with his parents. "I prioritize my family, and that’s what makes me happy," he confides, adding: "My father is my reference, for everything he has done for the family and what he represents for us. He emigrated from Morocco to Spain, worked hard in difficult conditions to provide for our needs. Today, I want to give back everything he has given us."

When asked about the possibility of coach Manolo González being sacked, Omar El Hilali is firm: "Honestly, I would find that unfair. [...] He deserves to stay at Espanyol more than anyone."