LOPETEGUI: 'GETAFE COMPETE INCREDIBLY WELL WITH THEIR STYLE OF PLAY'

Despite the team's good form, Lopetegui is not allowing for complacency: 'The only thing we need to do is focus on our readiness for the match against Getafe. People on the outside can analyse whatever stats there are but we are only interested in our performance. We have to be fully motivated for all competitions and La Liga is the main one. We have to be at our best mentally and physically for such a tough opponent. We focus on the demands of tomorrow's match, we don't worry about other stats. The objective is Getafe, La Liga, and we have to be focused.'

Lopetegui ruled Marcos Acuña out of the match and admitted Jesús Navas was a doubt: 'Marcos has a bad muscle tear and will be out for a good while. Jesús hasn't trained so we will have to wait and see tomorrow if he can be in the squad - we have to be patient. We train tomorrow and we can decide if he's ready or not.' Julen quickly discussed the Cup draw: 'We will get whoever we get and we will be ready for it. I always say that we don't worry about what we can't control.'

'Acuña has a hamstring tear. We will assess Jesús tomorrow'

With Rakitić out through suspension, Julen said his replacement will be picked on what is best for the team: 'It's always a negative when you have someone out. We will analyse the situation and see what can help the team best. We prioritise the team as a whole over giving minutes to certain players. We will manage our resources as best we can and everyone will have to be ready as we are going to need all of them. The word 'team' is the most important word in these moments.'

Although the future may be exciting for Sevilla fans, the players are only focused on the next game: 'In football, the only thing you should get excited about is the next game. Looking forward is no use, and neither is looking back. Pragmatism is the only thing that helps you in elite football. We have to have our minds and bodies focused on Getafe as they will demand that of us. Nothing else matters, including the Cup draw. Our energy is only focused on tomorrow's game.'

'We have to have our minds and bodies focused on Getafe as they will demand that of us'

Answering questions about certain names, Lopetegui confirmed Escudero can make the squad: 'He has been given the all clear, he has trained with the full group and we will make the choice based on what we need. He has been out for a long time but I think he will be ready for us to count on him as he has been training really well.' Things will have to go more slowly with Pablo Pérez: 'He trained with us as normal but he has been out for three months and is getting minutes in with Sevilla Atlético. We will see if he can help us out later on, like any player in the B team.'

Julen went on to discuss Getafe more and their style of play: 'They compete very well with their style of play and have brought in some players with a different profile than usual in Aleñá and Kubo. At times they can play with five at the back and at others they switch to four. We need to be ready for both eventualities but everyone knows how Getafe play and the problems they cause. We have to be ready. They're on a good run recently away from home.'

'Escudero has been given the all clear and I think he will be available for us'

Julen discussed Ocampos getting back in the goals: 'Streaks come and go. Sometimes you're on a good finishing run and sometimes you have more difficulty, but what we focus on is how they contribute to the team. Lucas helps us a lot and if he's scoring, even better, but we're delighted with his and his teammates' work even when they don't score. The forwards help us defensively as well as offensively.'

To finish, he spoke about Suso's form: 'He has had a huge step up. Last season he had to adapt to a new style of play and he helped us a lot, like he's doing this season. He is fully adapted to the team. He had an injury that kept him out for a while but he got over it and is stronger than ever. That's good for him and the team.'