"We always do our homework because we work hard, but the results of the exams are something else. You can never know what will happen, we focus on the day to day and how we have to develop the planning. From there on, you begin to build the result. I'm not into imagining things, but I'm positive and I have lofty ambition. We have to work to make dreams come true. Professional football doesn't let you stop in the development of your journey", Lopetegui continued.
"The players have bought all the effort that had to be made, there is no success without that sacrifice, sometimes it doesn't even come"
The manager also stated that "if there's a rare season, it's this one. More than fear it was caution because of an unknown terrain, of which there was no evidence of previous scenarios. We tried to guide ourselves with feelings ahead of an ever-changing scenario and we've had good adaptability. We were capable of competing by being ready for everything. This league has been longer than all others and it has made us take the word competing to the max, and I can't be more proud of my players and staff. The players have bought all the effort that had to be made, there is no success without that sacrifice, sometimes it doesn't even come".
He was also asked about his starting XI against the Valencians: "I don't choose the lineups thinking about awards or not. We try to focus the game to compete well and we'll do it again. We've changed every lineup a lot in these games, trying to find a balance for the great wear and tear they've all had. Of course, any scene can appear, but we're always thinking about winning the match".
"We've always looked straight at our opponents, wanting to take centre stage and be recognisable in every stadium"
The manager spoke about two topics to finish: how his team has been recognisable both home and away and his captain, Jesús Navas: "We've tried to make the team recognisable both at home and away. Of course, there is always the nuance of the opponents' behaviour, which determines your answers. We've always looked straight at our opponents, at the opposing goal and taking centre stage, but the opposition does influence you, clearly".
"You have to take your hat off to him. Jesús has genes that are out of the ordinary. We don't look at his licence but at his performance, his enthusiasm and his desire, which are like those of a young man. For that you need genetics and mentality, together you get Jesus. It's no coincidence that he's the one who has played the most minutes, we are delighted with him", he concluded.
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대한민국 - Soon
