JUANLU: "JESÚS NAVAS DESERVES THAT WE WIN FOR HIM"

Juanlu Sánchez was interviewed as part of the 'Solo el Sevilla' series ahead of Sunday's derby match against Real Betis. The right-back started, "This is one of the most important weeks of the season. We need to train well and show everyone that we are excited for the match. We're coming into the game on the back of a couple of good results. Two wins at home and a point away at Athletic Club, having played well to deserve it."

With regards to the fans, "At the end of the day, positive results are what brings everyone together. Victories help unite the fans and the players. We've had some tricky games, but the fans have always cheered us on until the final whistle. A win backs up all the hard work in training." They also quickly discussed his derby experience as part of the academy. "I only have good memories of wearing the Sevilla shirt in a derby match. I've won practically all the games I've played, I think I've only lost once. The two experiences that I've had with the first team have both finished in draws." 

"Victories help unite the fans and the players"

"My personal objective is to keep accumulating minutes with Sevilla. For that to happen I need to be able to adapt to what the coach wants, doing what he asks for as long as I can," he added. Discussing last week's game against Athletic Club, he said, "Ultimately you can never be unhappy with a late equaliser. But of course, we wanted to keep on pushing, trying to get the victory. That has to be the mentality - wanting to go the extra mile to score goals and win games."

Our right-back then commented on the importance of explaining the significance of the derby to new players. "We've all been fixated on this match throughout the week. They don't need any more explaining, everyone is aware of the severity of this game. We are all fully on board to get the all-important victory."

Finally, Juanlu mentioned the added motivation given that it will be Jesús Navas's final derby. "It is of course a shame, but also a source of motivation. Jesús deserves nothing less than to win his final games as a player. I've been lucky enough to see him winning derby matches at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán in the past. But now Jesús deserves that we win for him."