First team

MONCHI: 'IF YOU'D HAVE TOLD ME A MONTH AGO THAT I'D BE HERE, I WOULDN'T HAVE BELIEVED YOU'

11/04/2019

The sporting director's chat with Antoñito revealed some interesting details regarding his plans for the squad

Monchi was the latest Sevillista to be interviewed by Antoñito on a walk from his neighbourhood, San Bernardo, to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. He began speaking about what is to come: 'The club's project is the same, what changes is our resources depending on whether or not we qualify for the Champions League. We can't lower the standards we've put on ourselves. The Champions League helps you economically and to grow as a brand. If we don't qualify, we'll have to be smart enough to make the best possible squad with fewer resources.'

One of the most pressing topics is Sarabia's contract: 'He was an important signing and since his arrival he has won a place in Sevillistas' hearts. I've just arrived, obviously I'm now aware of what's going on. When the player and the club both want the same thing everything's a lot easier. The club has to make an effort because the player's talent won't go unnoticed. If he wanted to go, it would be more worrying but he is motivated and I think he wants to continue playing here. Now we have to push on with it, I'm feeling positive about it.'

Moving on, he discussed Bryan's breakthrough: 'The academy has historically given a lot to this team. We can't lose that. It's a part of the club's identity. Bryan is wonderful. We have to be patient with him - we can't put too much responsibility on him but we have to give him what he wants. If the player demands to play to keep growing, we will have to play him.'

He then moved on to Joaquín Caparrós: 'He has evolved. All of the good things he had, which was a lot, has evolved even further and he is backed by a great coaching team. This has helped him to grow and, without ditching his principles, we now see a Caparrós more suited to the demands of modern football. He was a bit uncomfortable in his previous post. He would do anything for Sevilla and I think he did a good job as Director of Football.'

To finish, he spoke about his arrival: 'If you'd have told me a month ago that I'd be here today, I wouldn't have believed you. I left to keep growing professionally, to test myself. I didn't intend to come back. But sometimes life throws things at you. I left Roma and then José María Cruz, Castro and Jesús Arroyo all called me to get me to come back. After hearing them out and speaking with my family, I decided to come back. I haven't come back to save anyone, I've come back because the plans they have convinced me. Now I'm happier and more convinced. I am in complete agreement with all of the plans.'