First team

MACHÍN: 'THERE'LL BE ROTATION BETWEEN THE GAMES FOR DIFFERENT REASONS'

09/01/2019

'There'll be some signings and in the meantime we'll keep on doing our work,' he said regarding possible reinforcements in January

Pablo Machín, Sevilla FC's manager, held a press conference today before Thursday's trip to Bilbao for the two upcoming matches against the Basques: 'Strangely you often end up playing the same opponent in the league and cup. It's not ideal but it is what it is. What's important is to be competitive and win as many of the games we can. We want to keep going in the cup tomorrow and then we'll turn our sights to the league. There'll be rotation between the games and there'll be some factors which we can't control.'

Regarding the opponent, the coach stated 'Athletic have had a drastic change in results under their new manager. They haven't lost yet and that will make our matches very competitive. They don't take as many risks and play a simpler football. They've returned to what Athletic has always been and they've gone more direct, and it's getting them points.'

'Our goal is to go as far as we possibly can in every competition'

'Every club is demanding. Our goal is to go as far as we possibly can in every competition and defend the crest of Sevilla. If you make me choose between going far in the cup and in Europe, I'd have to choose the latter, but lifting a trophy is always attractive, there's no doubt about that. We want to go far in everything, like last year when we were close to winning the cup,' he analysed regarding what the future may hold for his team.

Machín was also quizzed about the transfer window: 'I'm quite realistic. Until the thing actually happens there's no point in sitting around thinking about something happening. We know that it's difficult to find what we need. We have an important game tomorrow where we'll need energy because it'll be the same players as usual. The squad is competitive but a little small in number. There'll be some signings and in the meantime we'll keep on doing our work.'

'We want the best to come, players that few clubs can sign'

'We're trying to get players who few clubs are able to sign. If for whatever circumstances that may be we can't get anyone you can feel frustrated. We want the best to come and if not we'll lower the standards slightly so it's more accessible. What I have to do is focus on my work and let the people who have this job do their work to strengthen Sevilla,' Machín finished regarding possible reinforcements in January.