Jesús Navas del Sevilla FC ante el NK Maribor
First team

JESÚS NAVAS: "UNITED PLAY WITH DIRECTNESS AND WE HAVE TO REMAIN 100% FOCUSED"

21/02/2018
The former Manchester City player commented "I have played against them in several derbies and I know many of the players, but no match is ever the same"

Today's return of the biggest competition at international club level marks a huge day in Nervión... And if there's a Sevilla FC name that all English eyes are on it is, of course, Jesús Navas. The Spaniard, firmly back on Spanish ground after his time spent in Manchester, stressed "every match is different, this is the Champions League and every clash is important. All opponents are tough, and we need to be focused because they are a great team". 

Questioned on the weapons at Mourinho's disposal, he commented "his players are quick and they play with directness - it enables them to score goals. They're a strong side in the Premier League and they play at a high level". Asked about who he thought was the opponent's key player, Navas looked to the back: "De Gea is the full package, he's quick both one on one and in playing out from the back". 

"Montella has a clear idea and he's asking us to be united"

Talking about his team, the home-grown player commented "we've found a great dynamic that's producing great results. The team is growing in confidence which is so important. Montella has a clear idea, he is a coach that demands complete concentration from every member of the team for every fixture. He asks that we are united and we're extremely happy because he is helping each and every one of us here". 

Since the Italian's arrival at the club, Navas has played a somewhat more defensive role, a position he became established in during his time in England, but one that he had touched on as a Sevillista: "I played on the wing there and I learnt a lot, but I was already used to it after playing with Alves because I pushed up and helped at the back. It was a position I was familiar with, and Guardiola gave me the chance there again". 

With regards to his experience in England, he was happy to comment on his great memories of his time there: "I won titles, I played every year and I made lots of great friends. The treatment I received was second to none and I was more than happy there - for that I cannot thank them enough". Additionally, he has met tonight's opponent on several occasions: "I played in several derbies during my time and I met many of their players, but no match is the same. We have to be 100% focused".