Wu Lei optimistic Espanyol can turn things around

MADRID - Espanyol's Chinese striker Wu Lei held an online question and answer session to promote a videogame which is using him as its main image in China and discussed his side's delicate situation in the Liga Santander.

Although Espanyol have breezed through their Europa League qualifying group, playing in two competitions has taken its toll on a thin squad and the Barcelona based outfit are second from bottom of the Spanish league with just nine points from 15 matches and with a visit to play Real Madrid at the weekend.

"It's a delicate moment for the team. We never imagined we would be in this situation, but I am confident and we all should be confident, because the squad is good enough," explained Wu Lei.

Last weekend saw Espanyol surrender a 1-0 lead at home to Osasuna to lose 4-2 against a rival that played for 40 minutes with just 10 men, causing Espanyol coach Pablo Machin to publically doubt his players.

"We really need a win and I'm sure that when we win a game everything will change," commented the striker, who insisted he felt good after struggling with a shoulder injury in recent months.

"I feel better all the time," said Wu Lei, who said the only difference between his life in Spain and China was that "here I go to Spanish class once a week."

Finally he expressed his wish to lead China onto the pitch in the World Cup: "it would be a dream come true for me and for all of our fans," and he also had praise for Leo Messi, who was awarded the Balon D'Or on Monday.

"When you play against him on the pitch, it's not like seeing him on the TV, when you face him you can feel his talent and his strength," concluded Wu Lei.