Eduardo Berizzo entrenador del Sevilla FC

First team

BERIZZO: "LEGANÉS ARE WELL ORGANISED AND HAVE PICKED UP MORE POINTS AWAY"

27/10/2017

The coach warned of Leganés' strong form and challenged his players to repeat their cup reaction

Eduardo Berizzo spoke to the media this Friday ahead of Saturday's La Liga fixture with CD Leganés. His first question addressed the side's win on Tuesday: "It helped change up the dynamic and made everyone fight for their place. We took it seriously and every one of them took advantage of it. We broke the dynamic and that should be an impulse for tomorrow and Wednesday". He also talked about the good news in the schedule change: "I think it's right for the fans because in the last game there was suffering for the spectators and with this new kick-off time they'll be able to enjoy what they see. The people like dynamic play, end to end stuff, and it also helps protect the spectator's health because that day a lot of people needed medical attention".

On injuries, he said N'Zonzi has a chance of returning: "He's trained these past two days without trouble. We'll see how it progresses just like with Ganso and Mercado. From there we will pick the side and the squad. It might be a bit early to give N'Zonzi 90 minutes but he could start the match or come on as a sub". On Tuesday we saw a reaction but the coach wanted to see repeat performances in the next two fixtures: "This sort of situation motivates footballers. It makes them uncomfortable and means they have to respond with energy. Then comes the football and we have to make ourselves stronger to find a win. Cartagena was a chance to respond with fury and we have to make amends tomorrow and on Wednesday".

"We have to make amends tomorrow and on Wednesday"

Bilbao, Moscow and Valencia were all big blows but the squad needs to pick itself up: "The three matches all have different stories and the common factor is that we need to exert ourselves more, gel better and sink our teeth in. We have to show dominance in moments like that and look to have an impact. First overcome a difficult opponent who comes in good form and then rectify the Moscow match against a direct rival in the Champions League".

The manager was also questioned on the apparent lack of competitive spirit in recent matches, something that, for Berizzo, is not the case: "I don't think it's been lost, but I agree that we need to do more to demonstrate it. This is not a theoretical matter, I can say whatever, but it needs to be demonstrated in practice. We need to put it into action". Furthermore, Berizzo stressed the important role of all parties, not just the fans: "When necessary, the team needs to perform and we must give it our all. The fans will help us to win, but the team needs to captivate the audience and encourage the synergy. When you give it to them, the fans become hooked with the team and it makes us stronger".

"The fans will help us win, but the team needs to draw them in"

The Argentinian opened the door to a greater rotation between goalkeepers: "David Soria comes off a recent break from play and it seems logical to me that he could make a come back to La Liga. Rotation was the original idea, but David's injury ruptured that dynamic, although it could be resumed". He emphasised the importance of the two upcoming matches: "These are two big tests for us, we need to take action and look to get back on track. More than just their character, I believe that we must play those in best shape, and this will be how we decide".

Finally, he evaluated Leganés, a team growing this season: "It's a very well organised team, who know what they're playing for, they fall back well and close up spaces to then hit on the counter attack. They play very quickly with Amrabat and Beavue and have a good group, who've picked up more points away from home than in their own stadium. We'll have to attack with patience and control so they don't rob us of the ball and surge forwards".