FERNANDO: 'WE WERE READY, BUT WE WERE MISSING SOME IMPORTANT PLAYERS SO IT'S A SENSIBLE DECISION'

This preseason has been more normal than last year: 'I hadn't seen my parents for two years. It was strange because I go to Brazil every year but last summer was completely unprecedented times for everyone. I've lived in Europe for 14 years so I'm used to life here, but I've never gone so long without seeing my parents. It was difficult for everyone, but I just hope now that things can get back to normal as soon as possible.'

Despite the fact that the team improves every season, Fernando feels proud to still be such a key player to the squad: 'I'm happy because it's very difficult. The expectation is constantly increasing, and quality players are arriving which means that we have a great squad to work with. You have to work, eat and rest well to continue having an important role here with the team. I think I'm doing well. Obviously, we don't know how the season will unfold, but I feel good. Games will be tough, but I feel at 100% and I hope I can continue like this throughout the season so I can play as many games as possible.' 

'The expectation is constantly increasing, and quality players are arriving which means that we have a great squad to work with.'

With seven points from three games, the league break will be longer than first thought: 'Things could have been different, and we could have ended up with the nine points, but we could have also dropped points against Getafe. We've started well and we need to continue like this. We were always going to be prepared for Saturday's game, but we would have been without three important players for us, so overall, it's a sensible decision. We will now wait to know when the game will be rescheduled for. We need to be ready to play because we have a very important game on Tuesday, so tomorrow night's friendly will be good.'

During his time at the club, he has played both as a defender as well as an attacking midfielder: 'I always played as a defensive midfielder with Porto as well as with Man City. I feel that I can contribute in any position that the coach wants me to play. I've played well here in defence and I'm ready to give it my all in any position. I played further up against Rayo, something that I'm not used to, but I think I did well and I helped the team.'

'Tomorrow's friendly will be good because we need to play.'

The Champions League returns next week, and the Dortmund game is still alive in the dressing room: 'It's the best competition, and every player dreams of playing in the Champions League. We're looking forward to going as far as we possibly can. There are very big teams, but we need to focus on ourselves. We need to win the games and see where that takes us. We can't think too far ahead because we just need to take each game as it comes. We had two good games against Dortmund last year, but we could have tried a few different things. At the end of the day, we need to learn from it to make sure it doesn't happen again.'

Delaney's arrival means that there is competition for his position: 'He's a player who can hold the ball and has a lot of experience. We're hoping that we can have a successful season together. We could play together, because he could play as an 8 and I could play as a 6. It's up to Lopetegui to decide where he wants us, but we need to be prepared for every option.' The team is constantly evolving: 'We have a squad which is full of top quality players. We had an impressive squad last year, but with some great arrivals this year, I think it's a more balanced squad.'

'Knowing Koundé, I think he will be completely focused on Sevilla'

He also spoke about Koundé: 'He's a very talented player, who is still only 22-years-old but a great professional. He's one of the best defenders in the world and it's normal that he attracts attention from the top teams. However, knowing him, I think he will be completely focused on ensuring that he has a good season with Sevilla.' The fans will also be back to watch the games this year: 'It's great because the first game that we played without fans was very tough. It is so quiet and it feels like you're just in training, so having the fans back will be an amazing feeling.'

His contract is expiring soon, but this does not worry him: 'I'm asked a lot about the fact that I only have year left on my contract. It's not up to me, but I hope to stay here. You can tell that I'm really happy at the club.' To finish the interview, he spoke about national duty, which for him, is near impossible: 'I've played for top clubs throughout my career so I could be in with a chance, but unfortunately, the opportunity has never come up. I don't really have an answer for it. It is what it is, and I'm completely focused on Sevilla, and in the international breaks, I always ensure that I'm working hard to continue improving.'