MONCHI: 'WE HAVE GIVEN MORE THAN OUR ALL'

Monchi stated that work on outgoings would keep going until the deadline: 'There are some deals still open, but none of them incomings. There are three deals in the works, but at this stage it's difficult. We had a plan that was more to do with reworking the profile of the squad as opposed to any insatisfaction with anyone's performances. As a result, we spoke with the corresponding players to help facilitate their exit. Some haven't ended up happening and they'll remain here. I'm 100% sure they will be just as important this season as they have been in previous years because they are good players.'

'As a result of our plans, we spoke with the corresponding players to help facilitate their exit'

Monchi displayed his satisfaction with the signings made: 'We have been working on these signings for a long time. The six signings all passed the criteria we have in the scouting and R&D departments. The club worked so hard to secure their arrivals, with the full support of the Board. Every player in the squad is going to be important and has the ability. After three years with a similar squad, experience tells me that it would be wise to make some changes.'

Speaking about the international break, Monchi appealed for compromise: 'We're waiting on the FA. Sevilla have asked for the game to be postponed, it is our right to protect our interests. We are the most affected club as we will have three players out. I hope an agreement can be made and the game is postponed defending the interests of a club who have always been ready to help out with national teams. Recently we had Kibamba's case. Despite Congo calling him up outside of the window, we let him travel. All we ask is for understanding. Our players would be coming back with not even a day to go until the game.'

'Sevilla have asked for the game to be postponed - it is our right to defend our interests'

Monchi said the main aim this season is Champions League qualification: 'We have assembled a good squad to fight for our goals which is to consolidate ourselves as a Champions League team. It won't be easy - other teams have done a great job. There will be a lot of competition for the fourth spot behind the big three. I would take fourth spot now.

Our Sporting Director admitted this transfer window has been more difficult than in previous years: 'I've never been so busy in a transfer window. It's been physically and mentally taxing. It's been a very difficult transfer window. I don't know if it's been the most complicated but certainly it's required the most physical and mental dedication. We had to juggle some factors that we haven't had before.'

'I have never spent so much time on a transfer window'

Asked once more about exits, Monchi closed no doors: 'There will be exits. We are doing what we can while respecting the wishes of the individual players. Every player who was projected to leave has had options. Some of them accepted them. Others, well within their rights, have rejected them. I can't force anyone to do anything, I respect them. Let's see what happens - there's not long left now.'

Monchi believes there to be enough cover at centre-back: 'We did the best we could. At centre-back we have three top players, with other players who can fill in there when necessary. There are also some academy players who can help out. Every position can be improved upon. Within our economic limits we have put together an enticing squad. If we achieve our objectives, then the squad's great. If not, then it's not so good. One of Sevilla's best squads in recent years finished in the worst league position in my time as Sporting Director.

'We did the best we could'

He discussed registration for the Champions League: 'It's not confirmed - there's ten hours to go and we don't know what could happen. We have until 2 September to submit the squad. The squad will be of a very high level with the ability to qualify for the knock-out rounds. We have a very competitive and interesting squad. Any player could end up being first or last choice. Things will get tough and we will see just how competitive the squad is.'

The squad has the full backing of the Board: 'There were four main pillars behind our transfer window plans. These last two months we must have met 500 times, ate together 20 times. We all know we have given our all. When you give your all, you can't ask for any more. We gave more than our all.'

'When you give your all, you can't ask for any more'

The squad offers Julen Lopetegui many options: 'We tried to give Julen as many options as possible to rotate and change things to try and achieve our goals. In ten months, we'll see if we have or not. Our objective isn't to usurp Madrid, Barcelona or Atlético. Our objective is to achieve what was so difficult the last two seasons: qualify for the Champions League.'