LAMELA: "THE GROUP IS WORKING HARD TO BE IN THE BEST SHAPE FOR THE SEASON"

Erik Lamela chatted to club media during the team's stay in South Korea. The Argentine began with discussing his feelings ahead of the preseason: "I feel good - I'm motivated. It was a long journey but I'm happy to be here now and I've really big hopes for this season. Last year I had an injury and now I'm starting from scratch and working hard to be at my best. The plan of work during holidays is important to come into preseason in the best shape possible. The group is feeling good and working hard. We're very together and motivated to start the season in the best way possible."

He also spoke about what this season means for the team: "It's important for team spirit and we have to make the most of it. The lads are motivated. It's nice whenever the Korean fans give you that recognition. It will be a special game against Tottenham, we can use it to improve. It will be nice to see them again.' The team have received a warm welcome in Seoul, and Erik was asked about the support Sevilla fans have shown him: "It's been great to have the fans' support since day one. I hope I can give that back to them out on the pitch. I'm excited and working hard to be at my best. There's good competition in the team - we have a great squad and that will help us out during the season."

"We have a great squad and that will help us out during the season"

Lamela then went on to speak about our coach, Julen Lopetegui: "Julen knows the team inside out and we are ready to give our best. As players we know we have a great squad and that we can give even more. We hope this year will be better - I like the demanding nature we have here and how we always have pressure to win. That will help the team give that little extra push. The Champions League is a wonderful competition to play in and we are ambitious. We always fight in LaLiga and this year will be no different. There's a lot of expectation as I've said - I've been here a year and I know my teammates, that's something positive for us. We will work hard to achieve the best we can."

To finish up, Erik left a message for Sevilla supporters: "There's competition but I personally train hard to help the team out as best I can. We have to be ready. I will give my best to help Sevilla. The fans should know we're focused on having a great year and we will give it everything we've got."