LOPETEGUI: 'DORTMUND ARE ONE OF THE BEST TEAMS IN THE WORLD OFFENSIVELY'

Lopetegui was asked if he could pinpoint when the team embarked upon this incredible run of form: 'There are a lot of key moments. It's not about something just clicking, it's continuous work believing in what we do and following that path. Nothing that you have done matters, only what you have to do. This is the third time in recent years that Sevilla are at such an advanced stage in the biggest competition in the world. I wouldn't put the focus on a single moment, it's thanks to the work we do on a daily basis. We always look forward, never back. You must always focus on the path in front of you, nothing else matters. And what we have is a demanding and exciting game.'

Lopetegui did not wish to pay much attention to Dortmund's point tally in the Bundesliga: 'You are only looking at results but if you analyse Dortmund's game, their potential and attacking threat you see they are very tough to match. They have top players in all positions but that does not take away our ambition to beat them.' Julen then spoke about Navas' injury: 'He trained with the group for the third time and he's available. We will decide tomorrow what we do.'

'Navas trained with the group and we will decide what we do tomorrow'

The manager refused to say who would be favourite: 'The past doesn't matter. If it did I'd admit it, but the only thing that matters is what we do tomorrow. Dortmund is a team capable of winning the Bundesliga and go far in the Champions League. That's the level of team we're talking about. They are an experienced enough team to know that it doesn't matter what the media is saying. And we are only focused on playing our best game. I wouldn't just focus on Haaland. They have top players in Reus, Sancho... a very strong supporting cast to Haaland.'

Lopetegui praised his team for coming into February still in all competitions: 'We have to think about where we came from, the time we had off and the demands of a surrealistic season where we've tried our best to be at a top level. We're halfway there and we need to keep going. We have the chance to play a game that doesn't come around too often. You achieve it through hard work and a strong showing in the group.' Discussing the opponent, Julen said 'Dortmund can attack you in many ways and they are strong in the press after losing the ball. Terzic knows his players well as he was there before with Favre. In the matches I've analysed and not looking at the league table, I think they are a world-class team. We have to use our possession well and defend strongly when we don't have it.'

'Terzic knows his players well because he was there before'

Despite changes in the starting eleven, the team have been responding in the same manner and showing high levels of fitness: 'We are working hard and we focus on the players who are available, not those who aren't. We want everyone to be available so we have the strongest team possible but we fully support whoever comes in. The team is very strong on an individual level at the moment and we want to keep that up. We have to manage our resources and demands, the team is going to the limit and that is not easy for them. It's very demanding - since September we're playing every three or four days and I have to congratulate the mentality and work of the players.'

'I don't want to think what would be a good result, I think about working to achieve a good result. We are focused on playing our best against a team who will push us to the limit. It will be a great game. The demands are always high but even more in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.'