El presidente José Castro atiende a los medios en San Benito
First team

CASTRO: "WE HAVE AN EXCITING MONTH AHEAD OF US"

27/03/2018
Sevilla FC Chairman, José Castro, spoke about Sevilla FC's performance across all three competitions, as the side looks to achieve things once "unthinkable"

Sevilla FC Chairman, José Castro, spoke to the press following the traditional floral offering for the Holy Tuesday of San Benito, commenting "now that we are in this week of passion, we can say to all Sevillistas that an exciting month awaits us, whereby we will play both in Spain and Europe".  

Asked about the team's performance this season, Castro responded "the reality is that out of the three competitions that we find ourselves in, our performance has been outstanding in both the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, and we would obviously like to see some improvements with regards to La Liga. It is true that fourth position is out of reach, but I believe that there is still time for us to climb higher in La Liga".

Speaking about the 17/18 season he stressed "it cannot possibly be seen as a failure, because you have to look at the season from a global perspective. We find ourselves sixth in La Liga, quarterfinalists in the Champions League and in the final of the Copa del Rey". 

A highlight of April will undoubtedly be Sevilla's Champions League fixture against Bayern. The Chairman eagerly awaits "an exciting away fixture, without a doubt the Sevillistas will attend in large numbers and will make themselves heard, far more than the hosts' fans. He also acknowledged "yes, we are strangers to the Champions League quarter-finals, but that's what people thought when we came up against Manchester United, and look what happened there". 

 

 

The Sevilla FC Chairman praised other aspects, for example, the lack of rotations amongst Montella's starting eleven. "It is a coaching matter, we did what was necessary during the winter transfer market, bringing in four new players. But this is a coaching matter, a coaching decision. The manager will play whoever he sees appropriate, he is the one working with the players day in, day out", he commented. 

"We have to focus on April, where goals, previously unthinkable, are now within reach"

Asked about the possible contract extension for Clement Lenglet, he said: “We are working on it and we are in talks with other players for next season”. Also questioned about Vincenzo Montella as a potential coach for the Italian national side, he commented: “I've spoke with Montella and he is happy here. Since his arrival, he has received nothing but love from our fans and our Club. When you speak with him you can see how happy he is here at the Club”.

Castro also wanted to highlight the importance of Oscar Arias with regards to the team's performance this season: “We have to analyse his role from a global perspective and it makes you think: How many clubs would want to be in the Cup Final and in the Champions League quarter-finals after 60 years? Oscar Arias has obviously played a key role in this success and he works tirelessly. We need to focus on April, a month which will see the Club making history". 

Speaking about the fixture adjustment for matchday 32, where Sevilla FC will face Villarreal FC, José Castro said: “Kick-off was set for an unusual time because it is the “Pescaito” day here, an annual, local celebration. We asked them if there was any chance of changing it and, fortunately, the problem has been resolved which we would like to thank them for". 

Asked about Saturday’s crucial clash against Barcelona, a team still unbeaten in La Liga, he assured: “This stat motivates us even more. We know that Barcelona are an unbeaten side, but we hope we can put an end to it. It will be a really tough match”.

Finally, speaking about Sevilla Atlético’s season, he commented: “Firstly, I would like to congratulate them on their deserved win last Sunday. It has been a complicated season, but I don't doubt that players like Pozo, Mena or Berrocal are the future of our team. We are currently bottom of the table and we have all made mistakes. However, spotting these mistakes is the best way to improve, not only at Sevilla Atlético, but with regards to the team as a whole”.