José Ángel Carmona, Nyland and Marcão all spoke to the media this morning following the open training session, which took place at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán ahead of us hosting Real Betis Balompié tomorrow.
Carmona began by remarking how ‘it feels like the team is performing well. In training, behind closed doors, you can see the work of the coaching staff and the coaches paying off. We are all 100% committed, and that gives us confidence. After the game at San Mamés, a ground where it's always very difficult to get points, the team showed its face and we were able to take the three points. That gives you the confidence for a game that is so historic, and which we have to go and win. We have the belief that we can blow the table wide open,’ he explained.
‘The stadium is going to be packed, and we have to be there for the fans, just as they are for us, so that we can celebrate a victory,’ said the right-back.
"We want to win for the team, and also Jesús, to ensure he has the best farewell possible"
Carmona finished by saying that ‘Jesús is a legend. He deserves for his last derby to be winning it in style at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. We're going to do it for the team, but above all for him so that he can have the best farewell possible.’
Meanwhile, Nyland pointed out how ‘our fans stop to talk to me and it's amazing - everyone cannot wait for the derby. The fans are ready, and we really want to deliver them three points.'
Discussing last season's fixture, he remembered how ‘the fans came to the hotel just to cheer and sing two or three hours before the game. That's very special, and tells you how important this game is for them and for us. I was injured at home, but I've seen how important it is for the fans. I can't wait to get on the pitch on Sunday and give everything I've got.’
"We are prepared and ready to deliver three points for the fans"
‘It's a very special occassion for him and for us. He has said that he is retiring in December and we want to give Jesús a great day so that he can retire with a victory in the derby. He's very important for us,’ said the Norwegian about his captain.
To close, it was Marcao also reflected on the derby and Jesús Navas: "For us it's a special game, also for Jesus and we have to give everything to win it for him. It would also be a very important victory for us, in terms of morale. It's unique in the sense that the mood can shift a lot depending on whether you lose or draw. It's the match which transforms the city, and so we have to be calm and do the things we know we can, with the fans fully behind us. Winning, at any cost, is the most important thing.'