First team

SAMPAOLI: "What went well for us before is damaging us now"

05/04/2017

"Being knocked out of the Champions League and losing ground on Madrid on Barcelona has cost us a lot", he said

Jorge Sampaoli analysed the defeat against Barcelona, which saw first half goals from Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi (2) condemn Sevilla to a sixth game without victory.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, the Sevilla manager said: "There are lots of factors to do with the situation that we're in. Being knocked out of the Champions League was a tough blow to take. Then we had a very difficult game against Atlético Madrid and we've kept on looking for a goal without finding one.

"What went well for us before is damaging us now."

Sampaoli added: "Beyond the system, the difficulties come from individuals. If a team like Barceolona dominate you they can be fantastic, and that was reflected in the scoreline. In the second half we played as well as they did but we weren't able to convert when we deserved more."

The Sevilla manager tried to give an explanation for the side's recent run of form. He said: "The dip in results is to do with the long season that we have, the hope that we had for being in the Champions League and trying to keep on the pace with Madrid and Barcelona.

"Not being able to achieve those things is costing us dearly and we have to sort it out."

On Vitolo's dismissal for two yellow cards, the manager said: "Vitolo's sending off epitomises the situation the team are in. We've got to prepare ourselves with the mentality that we had in the second half tonight because being 3-0 down it's difficult to keep your heads up."

To finish, the Argentine provided some perspective on the situation. "In the last eight months there have been games that we have won despite being in difficult positions. This is all to do with details of the game that we have to sort out to get the victory that we need so much."