First team

MARCUCCI: "WE'LL GO OUT TO WIN THOUGH OTHER RESULTS COULD GIVE US QUALIFICATION"

05/12/2017
The Argentine, who has already led the squad against Maribor in Nervión in the absence of Berizzo through suspension, said "this club and its history doesn't allow anything else than going for the win"

Ernesto Marcucci spoke to the press in the Ljudski vrt Stadium ahead of Wednesday's decisive Champions League clash with NK Maribor - a side he already led the Nervionenses against in the second game of the Group Stages on account of an Eduardo Berizzo suspension. He made it clear there was no other plan than to win: "That's the idea. This club and its history allow nothing less. We know it's a tough ground and we know our chances of qualification. Our intention is to go out to win and look to do that right from the start - even knowing that other results could see us through". 

The Argentine wouldn't say that the elimination of Maribor could be seen as a positive: "I don't know if it's an advantage or not that they have nothing to play for. They have their good individuals and if you leave them to it, they'll play very well. We have to do our work, continue with the same intensity as in our last matches and we'll try to get on that track. If we think this is over and it's a formality, we won't do well".

He also made it clear that the prospect of suspensions wouldn't impact on the starting eleven: "It isn't going to change anything. We can't dwell on anything and it's not something we are used to. We'll put out the best starting eleven we can". He was also asked about the climate: "we can wrap ourselves up but it won't be easy. It's also really cold in Seville, so we're used to it. We'll have to run a lot in the early minutes to get over that initial cold".

"I don't know if it's an advantage or not that they have nothing to play for"

The subject of N'Zonzi came up once again and Marcucci reiterated the message that has been already set out: "We've said in every press conference, when you've asked me the same thing. It's a technical decision and we'll talk about the ones we need to talk about. Steven is out of the squad on account of a technical decision and nothing more". 

On day-to-day life with Berizzo, he said there is constant contact: "Communication is constant. It continues and it's daily because of training. I collaborate with him and the coach is still the coach". Finally, he didn't not rule out rotations ahead of La Liga: "We've been heavily criticised for rotations and now people want us to rotate. We'll have the best starting eleven taking each case into account, looking at what's best for the players and the team".