LOPETEGUI: "WE'RE FOCUSED ON PREPARING FOR THE MATCH, WE KNOW WHAT THE DERBY MEANS"

Julen Lopetegui has given his pre-match press conference on the eve of tomorrow's derby. The coach, who led the final training session before the match at the Sánchez-Pizjuán, began by stating "we're not going to talk about problems or doubts, instead we'll talk about our ambition and excitement for tomorrow's game. We're focused on being capable of playing well against a good side, we're not focusing on the table, instead we want to prepare well, we know what the derby means". 

He then spoke about what it means to finally experience a home derby with fans, as every home derby since his arrival has been behind closed doors due to the pandemic: "What drives us in every match is the excitement of competing for the three points. We are thrilled that there are always derbies with fans and that our fans can enjoy such an attractive match. I completely trust the Sevilla fans, I know that they'll give us that positive energy and with exemplary behaviour, no doubt about it". 

The coach will wait until tomorrow before deciding on a starting XI: "We will see what tomorrow's game has in store for us and who will be fit, we're really at the limit so we'll analyse it, because every hour is important. We have full confidence in whoever plays and they'll be able to play well, that's what all we Sevillistas want". He was also asked about recent signing Tecatito Corona: "We're very happy with Jesús, he's fit and he's adapted to what we ask him for, I'm sure he'll help us achieve our objectives. He's another player in the team". 

To finish, after inviting fans from afar to experience this type of match and without looking at past results, offered his thoughts on tomorrow's opponents, especially from set pieces: "They are very strong and so are we, so we'll try to counter them by making the most of our strengths, that's what is important".