First team

CORREA, CONFIDENTLY FACING EXPECTATION: "I AM USED TO IT, I'VE ALWAYS MET THE DEMANDS"

09/11/2017

The Argentinian's hopes for the next World Cup cease to waver: "I am going to give it my all so that I will be considered"

Joaquín Correa has returned once again to the place he loves most - the pitch. Making a come-back to the game following a hamstring injury, the Argentinian knows that there isn't much to get back: "At the moment I'm slowly getting back to it and gaining back the little physicality I lost following the week out, all in all, I'm good. The ball is back at my feet". Furthermore, he considered the current time off from matches a welcome break: "This break will serve to strengthen certain aspects of our game, we can improve areas in which we performed badly and correct any errors. This break has given us the opportunity to do things as a group, we've eaten together...we've done things that, at the end of the day, make the difference".

There is a lot of talk about the player's enormous potential and possibilities, however, this pressure does not seem to phase him: "I am used it, people have always expected and demanded a lot from me, and thankfully, I've always met their expectations. I am both calm and confident in myself and my abilities. It's always possible to improve and give more, but in this sense, I'm fairly relaxed. At the end of my career, I will look back and evaluate my current level of play. My dreams are intact - I've only just started my journey and there is still so much left to learn".

"There is always room for improvement, but I am calm"

Despite acknowledging the rough-patch encountered by the squad, Correa believes that things could be looking good for the team on its return from the international break: "In a week that was critical for us, important matches were met with bad performances and we conceded too many goals. However, in more recent matches the team resembled the one we saw at the beginning of the season, a team that won. We've seen good play and performances. We are getting back our confidence and we have to stay on the right track. If we continue to work together as we have done so far, good things will come".

With regards to Berizzo, he highlighted the ambition not only of the head coach but of the entire coaching squad: "The coach is all about getting 100% out of everyone. His rotations have ensured that everyone has been able to play. It is a coaching team that is hungry to do well". Furthermore, with Navas and Nolito the competition this season has been kicked up a notch: "They are players with a lot of experience, with many years behind them in football. I always give it my all, but at the moment we have an ample team with top players that I am looking to learn from. I always take their advice on board. The high-level of competition and the presence of these top players is a positive thing as it brings the best out of me".

"Nolito and Navas are experienced players and I look to them to improve"

Following the break there are two crucial matches at home against Celta and Liverpool: "We need to go out to win, just as we did at Anfield, despite the fact we drew. Winning against Celta will place us well in the table, lending us a lot of possibilities. It is also a matter of confidence, something that is key ahead of the rest of the season that faces us".

In a team with a strong Argentine presence, he commented: "We're extremely united, not only the Argentinians but also the Argentinians with the Spaniards, the French...It is a group that is strong together with solid foundations. We are a great". Finally, the player talked about his hopes for Russia 2018: "Sampaoli has used me in various positions, I believe that he's confident in my abilities and I am going to give it my all so that I can be considered".