Correa playing for Sevilla FC against Cerezo Osaka

First team

CORREA: "COACH TELLS ME TO FINISH MORE AND PLAY A BIT DEEPER"

20/07/2017

The Argentine says that "it's good to face great teams to start the season in the best way"

Joaquín Correa analysed this Thursday how the stage in Japan was going, which is entering its final stages: "We're a bit tired because we've been training a lot, well and with passion. We're happy, but there's still a long way to go." The ex Sampdoria player admits that, for him, it's all being much easier this year: "It's logical. When you move club you have to get to know your new teammates. People come and go, We're happy with the new arrivals, they're all good people and that is important to make the group more compact."

Regarding his personal objectives, he wants to confirm the step forward he took in the dying stages of last season: "I want to play every game and do it in the best way possible always thinking about the teams objectives, which is to win." In that sense, the friendly against Cerezo Osaka was a good reflection point: "It was a difficult game because they were on form, but we were patient and did what our coach told us to. Time to improve and wait for the next friendly to accumulate rhythm."

When back in Europe, the team will play three Premier League sides and a Champions League side in Red Bull Leipzig: "There are a few good games coming up. It's good to play against strong teams to be able to start the season in a better way."

In the changing room, thoughts of the Champions League playoff very much present: "It's what we're aiming for. We are preparing for it with every exercise, every training session and every match and also for what will come after". As a result, the quick adaptation of the newcomers is essential: "It highlights their good attitude and commitment. We are getting to know them, but it's clear that they're all good guys. I already know Muriel having played with him, but the rest are great. We're going to try to make sure they're comfortable".

Correa is pleased that the Argentinian contingent of the team is still growing: "There's quite a few of us, like in other places. At Sevilla there have always been Argentinians and it's good that there's a few of us because Argentinian players love to win and we have to continue these winning ways". To finish, he made it clear that Berizzo's plan is very much to his liking: "The gaffer is testing his philosophy and is not looking at individual names, but how the team works. He wants me to start finishing off moves and playing from deeper, which is what I like doing. I'm happy and very excited".