FERNANDO: "SEVILLA HANDLED MY RENEWAL VERY WELL, THEY MADE AN EFFORT AND WE CLOSED THE DEAL QUICKLY"

Fernando Reges was in the hot seat this Tuesday for 'A Balón parado', on Sevilla FC Television. The midfielder was firstly asked about his thoughts on the two most recent arrivals, with a little more focus on Anthony Martial and talk of a close-knit dressing room: "There two good teammates to have. I was talking with Martial today, he seems a good guy, he has a lot of quality and over the years we have come up against him. The feeling in the dressing room is amazing, we have top class players with a lot of quality, but it's also important that they're good people because that's something that helps towards a successful season. We are a family and that helps in every game."

Reges also commented on his recent form: "I still have a little niggle, but it's normal. I want to play the next game, but we must take it step by step as the niggle won't recover overnight. We had four days of rest and I tried to get myself stimulated, and now without any injuries or covid you can tell everyone is ready." When it came to singling out his own strengths, he acknowledged that he brings a certain balance to the team: "Maybe my strongest trait is that I win the ball back well, I'd say I am a well-rounded player. When learning how to position yourself, you have to look at your opponents position as well. Modric or Fábregas were hard to play against... with some I anticipate their moves, but with others I wait for them to make the first move. 

"I'd say I am a well-rounded player"

Furthermore, Fernando was asked about the team's chances in the two competitions in which they are still in contention for, again referring to the strength of the squad: "We have a players with a lot of quality, we must go from game to game and make sure we win after those two draws. We also have the challenge ahead of us of winning the UEFA Europa League, we will work for that. It's not easy, but we are in a good place with a good squad to get there." Reges was also quizzed on his own ambitions, he pointed out how willing he is to complete the objectives at hand and more: "No matter how hard it gets, I'll carry on fighting. I always put in maximum effort and try to overcome the challenges. I have it all in life, I can't ask for anymore. I am thankful for my family, their health and for football. I still have that drive to fight to win a Champions League and if I could win one, it would be the highlight of my career. We are going to work towards accomplishing the next goal." 

In regards to his contract renewal, Fernando highlighted the efforts of the club in making sure the relationship continued: "At a some point it got complicated, but soon we got to talking, the club made every effort so that the situation got resolved quickly. Sevilla handled my renewal very well, they made a big effort and sealed the deal quickly. Lopetegui looks to win, win and win and I am happy to be with him. We know that Sevilla looks to go the extra mile, where others won't... look at Luis Fabiano for example. The main thing is the fans' passion, we are four points off Madrid and the fans demand more and more. We have to believe, it's a unique feeling... you could see this in the last game, it's a different calibre of fan inside the Sánchez-Pizjuán." 

"I came to Sevilla a bit unsure and little by little I managed to find my way and represent them in the best way possible" 

In the final part of the interview, Fernando touched on the connection between the two centre-backs and himself and the well-formed triangle they have: "Koundé and Diego Carlos are strong, quick and modest players. It isn't easy finding this. Diego is very professional, we have discussed the situation a lot, but on the pitch he is always concentrated, top man. Koundé is very professional, modest and a hard-worker." In closing, Fernando pointed out the sense of belonging he has at Sevilla, to the point of assuring that his particular 'selection' is the Nervión club itself: "I will be a Sevillista forever. Since my first year here I have experienced incredible moments. When I arrived they treated me amazingly and from then on I have tried to do my best out on the pitch and represent them in the best way possible. I know many passionate Sevillistas and I have bought into this culture because of who they are and the way they show this."