First team

MACHÍN DISTRUSTS MOMENTUM: "AFTER A BIG WIN..."

22/08/2018

The manager was wary of confidence that may have been generated from wins against Zalgiris and Rayo Vallecano. He warned of the offensive ambition of Sigma, something which could have its advantages for Sevilla going forward

Pablo Machín spoke to the press at the Andrúv Stadion this Wednesday evening just before training. Sevilla come in with momentum after a fine victory in Vallecas but the coach wanted to put a lid on the euphoria: "I normally say, in a colloquial way, that after a great victory, there's a great cock-up. Overconfidence makes you weaker and thinking we're better than we are can make you become complacent. We don't intend for that to happen. Getting through the tie is crucial and we're going to give everything - though we know it's a two-legged tie - so we leave the tie in the best shape possible after this match".

"We've left some centre-backs in Seville because we trust the people we've brought here... We have a lot of commitments over the course of a season. I believe I should make the most of the whole squad I have. I think that with those who've come, as well as an extra centre-midfielder, we have enough to find a good level to leave the tie in the best shape possible for our interests - knowing that we have one more match at home. We hope we don't have to make an epic comeback in Seville".

"They're a team who are more experienced than past opponents we've faced. They're a physical side with the capacity to make things difficult for us"

On Sigma: "all European opponents are tricky. In football today nothing is easy. They're a team who are more experienced than past opponents we've faced. They're a physical side with the capacity to make things difficult for us. We will try to make sure that doesn't happen and that we match their physical level... It's quite an ambitious side, which attacks with a lot of players getting into the area. That ambition is dangerous but we'll hope that little bit of disorganisation is beneficial for us in attack".

"We bring Gonalons with the idea that we can use him. He comes off the back of pre-season with Roma. In the centre of the park we have four specific pivots, he is the fourth.”

He talked about the possibility of a Gonalons debut: "We bring him with the idea that we can use him. He comes off the back of pre-season with Roma. In the centre of the park we have four specific pivots, he is the fourth. The last one to arrive and we should use him. It's very likely he can debut tomorrow".

Finally, talking about Tomas Vaclík: "He's been a joy for us. We knew he was a great keeper, he's shown that in the Champions League. But his adjustment has been very quick. He's shown he's not just a keeper but also a very intelligent person. He's done a lot to try and learn the language. We're grateful for that because it's good for him and the team".