First team

BERIZZO: "OFFENSIVE POWER HAS BEEN VERY IMPORTANT AND BOTH OUR NUMBER NINES SCORED"

17/07/2017

The coach was satisfied with the first outing of his team against Cerezo Osaka

Satisfaction after a good first step. This may be the best way to summarise Eduardo Berizzo's feelings following the Sevilla FC's first victory of pre-season, against Cerezo Osaka: "The match has been positive. It's helped us to find our form and we have run, and fought for the ball. There was continuously a lot of pace to our game and I think the heat calmed that down, but there are things to add. Every player got some minutes under his belt and it went well".

The Argentine is pleased, above all else, with the attacking prowess shown by his players: "To me this is an opportunity for observation, to get to know the players on the field and in action. I'm pleased with many things, above all the attacking power which has been very important, and the two number nines have scored. We created a lot of attacking moves, which is part of my philosophy and we have to keep working and developing everything".

Asked about his players' dedication, he is aware that they all want to gain the approval of their new coach: "Everyone is under observation and they have to perform and defend the place that they have, and maintain the level of performance because football is in the present, and you have to adapt quickly. The new coach will demand new things and I can tell that everybody is very excited".

"The new coach will demand new things and I can tell that everybody is very excited"

Everyone has the Champions League in mind, including Berizzo: "We are always going to prepare ourselves for something, and for now its the Champions League and that tie which has obvious significance. All our preparation is going towards that match and everything has been planned so that when it comes we are ready and in good form. We hope we can get through it".

As for the atmosphere, he again thanked the dedication of the Japanese fans: "It's a pleasure to experience the behaviour, respect and relationship between people here in Japan. The facilities are unbeatable and to be able to train in those we are enjoying at the moment is great. The tactical conclusions of today are minimal. Today it was about running and playing and now we can start working on the strategy".

To conclude, he spoke about Nolito and his imminent arrival in Japan: "It was an objective of ours. He is a winger who creates danger and destabilises defences. We have to get him back to his best because he has had a couple of months of inactivity in England, but I'm very happy to work with him again".