Vincenzo Montella entrenador del Sevilla FC
First team

MONTELLA: "IT'S POSSIBLE FOR US TO WIN AGAINST BARCELONA, WE JUST NEED TO STAY FOCUSSED"

20/04/2018
The Italian gave nothing away regarding tomorrow's starting eleven but he came across optimistic, hoping for "a balanced match with equal chances for both"

Vincenzo Montella was accompanied by Sergio Escudero in the press conference ahead of the Copa del Rey Final at the Wanda Metropolitano. An appearance where there was no shortage of questions surrounding the superiority of tomorrow's opponent: "They are a strong team, performing well in La Liga, leading it. They have options, but we have to think with our own attitude, our own qualities, and our own standard". 

Aside from the irregularity seen in La Liga, there is a lot to play for tomorrow: "It's an important match, we've earned our place here. It's an amazing thing, just like in the Champions League, we've had a great campaign. In La Liga we've lost a lot of points, but we're fighting for fifth or sixth place that could secure us a place in the Europa League. Almost all of the teams in Spain and other leagues have seen a campaign that hasn't reflected their true level".

Furthermore, there was no escaping that a win tomorrow could help the team in their aims from La Liga: "We have the chance to win a Cup against a formidable team and secure a place in the Europa League a month early. That's our thoughts now, to put everything possible into facing our opponent tomorrow. Then we will think about La Liga. Winning a trophy is something amazing for everyone, for the fans, the players, the coaching staff and the Club. I believe that we're at a level which will get us to the Champions, but we have to focus on tomorrow and be ready".

"We have the chance to win a Cup against a formidable team and secure a place in the Europa League a month early. That's our thoughts now"

Montella gave nothing away with regards to tomorrow's starting eleven: "I have an idea, but nothing is for certain yet. It will be a tough day for me because I have to choose just 18 and some will have to remain in the stands. It's my responsibility, but I'm not happy about it". Furthermore, Barcelona's leading man was also a hot topic of conversation: "Messi is out of this world, but tomorrow we hope he'll be at our level. It's so tough to come against him but at best we need to make sure the ball stays away from him as much as possible".

Asked directly about if his side has options, Montella was clear: "Every match is different. We've seen that it is possible to win against Barcelona, but for this to happen we have to be focussed throughout the whole game and not lose concentration at any moment. I'm hoping for a balanced game, one that will be decided by smaller details, keeping us in the running".

Finally, he thanked the fans for coming to Madrid: "I can only say a huge thank you, there will be 25,000 fans behind us. We have to fight together, for them, for the Club".