Julen Lopetegui speaks ahead of Sevilla FC-CA Osasuna
First team

LOPETEGUI: 'THE MATCH AGAINST CA OSASUNA WILL BE VERY DEMANDING'

29/10/2021
'They're playing really well - they could qualify for the Europa League'

Sevilla FC coach Julen Lopetegui spoke to the media this Friday afternoon in the pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's clash against CA Osasuna. He began by reminding 'we had a match a couple of days ago and here we are preparing another one. That's the reality and we have to get used to it. We're ready for a very demanding match tomorrow - it's no secret how tough Osasuna are to beat. I think they're a contender for Europe this season and they're playing really well. They switch between systems - now they're playing with three or five at the back and we will need to come into the match prepared.'

Julen continued: 'We are always demanding of ourselves and that leads us to our goals. Our ambition to win every match guides us. We focus on playing football - that's the only factor we can control. Fans are always welcome, whether it be home or away, because they're part of what we all want.

Lopetegui then discussed injuries within the squad: 'Some of the guys are doing better but they're not quite at 100% yet. We'll see if they can help us out tomorrow. A lot changes even in an hour and we will make the call early tomorrow morning ahead of the afternoon kick-off.'

Erik Lamela was the subject of various questions: 'Erik has started games and he needs to be ready to play at any moment. He is an important player for us - he works and fights hard. He's a great guy. It's not just the starting eleven who are important - sometimes the subs can turn out to be even more decisive. We need to appreciate that role.'

Finishing up, our coach briefly spoke about VAR and the current controversy: 'There will always be controversy - VAR or no VAR. It's an aspect of football. Everything should aim to improve things and I think it has improved things. Perhaps the question is when should it intervene. We were told that they would intervene a lot less this season and only when it was clear and obvious. I'm sure they will adjust to that interpretation. Refereeing is a very difficult profession and we have to value, respect, and try to help them. Things will get better with time but we will never fully eliminate controversy from this sport.'