MONCHI: "WOLFSBURG WILL PLAY WITH PACE AND PRESSURE FROM THE START"

Logically, last week was an important week for the club in all aspects: "The last two matches cheered us up and we're feeling good about it. We know what we're playing for after the draw against Salzburg and there's barely any margin for error. I feel that the team are starting to draw close to the ideal speed ahead of the challenge that we face. I'd prefer that the team came into today's match feeling well and picking up points. Of course, what's been and gone won't help us tonight but it has to give us confidence after a difficult start with problems such as injuries, the virus and late arrivals. This has meant it took us longer to get into ideal shape but we're on our way". 

It's not been an easy start, but the team are working their way there: "We needed to calm down and settle in all aspects. There was a lot of noise in pre-season and, after the break, we've been able to get back to normal and have less problems. That was only a matter of time with the unquestionable wisdom of the coaching staff and the quality of the squad. It was an internal noise, not an external one, because of things you can't foresee. We had more internationals than ever and they returned late. We've had injuries that saw players miss training sessions and then the problem with the virus. I would have liked some players to have returned earlier and they returned once the league had started. That's all noise, and inevitably it affects your preparation". 

"We've had problems with injures, preparation, the virus and internationals"

As for Koundé, the matter is definitely settled: "I did not have to listen to Jules yesterday to know that everything was back on track because I've seen him act on it. Sometimes things have to be brought back to normal and we've handled it in the best possible way between all of us. I was a footballer, so I showed respect to Koundé, but I gave him time so he could resolve his own problem. It was a matter of time, but it's back on track thanks to everyone". 

Attentions then turned to Wolfsburg: "They are a real team, a group where I would not pick out individuals. They're physical, strong and have real pace. They don't attract a lot of attention because they don't have a big name, but until recently they were league leaders and got a Champions League place last season. When you don't win at home, we have to look for the win today and even more so against a direct rival. It would be important and give us a lot of confidence". Of course, the group offers no respite: "It could not be any more even, with all four teams on the same points. Beyond that, it confirms what we thought after the draw, that there is no clear favourite. People may say Sevilla because we've earned it, but little details will decide who finishes where". 

"People may say we're favourites in the group, but little details will decide who finishes where"

Monchi then spoke about En-Nesyri's fitness: "He has a muscle injury, let's hope he is not out too much longer and we have the advantage of the international break to help him recover quicker. We hope it's not something that will keep him out for long, but we have to look forward and cover this injury within the squad. Munir is training very well and is in shape after a tough summer. Rafa is gaining confidence as is Iván. Rafa did not need a lot of time because of the way he is. He's got a lot of spirit and he's in a good mood. His goals in the last few matches will help him and he's working well".

He has also been pleasantly surprised by Lamela's start: "He's surprised me, although I did not have to discover his quality. He came to Europe and had a big-money move to Tottenham. In England he had problems, but when you sense the illusion, the adaptation and the desire that he had, it's easier for what happened to happen. Now we have to give him time, because what's important is that he keeps doing the same and performing week-in, week-out. His start has been very good". 

"Lamela's start has been very good, but what's important is that he keeps doing the same"

This trip to Germany is another step forward towards the return of normality: "I think it's all very positive news that is bringing us closer to the pre-COVID era. It makes us all very happy and the fact that press colleagues have been able to come on this trip is great news. Today we found out about the change in capacity in October too. We are in that moment of happiness that we all wished for".

Monchi also praised the fans' support against Espanyol: "For Rafa's goal, half of the assist was from the crowd. They were aware that we could not be a man down at home, and it felt like we had more than eleven players. It was a very nice moment for what it meant, and that's what we missed. I still find it hard to imagine a normal situation in terms of fans, but it's what we dreamed about because we experienced many great moments that we could not share with our fans. We made up for it in those minutes with a happy ending". 

"I still find it hard to imagine a normal situation in terms of fans, but it's good news"

To finish, he spoke about tonight's match: "I'm expecting a strong match, where Wolfsburg will play with pace and pressure from the start. We have to be ready for that from the start and we'll try to take control of the match, but they'll demand a lot of us. Any competition means that you can't lose focus, but in this case it's absurd to look beyond that, because any plan is shattered if you don't get the result. I hope and pray that Sevilla will repeat what we've done in the last two matches tonight, in such a demanding match. My nerves are not going to change because that's the way I understand this. I won't have slept three hours tonight, I've been playing the match out in my heads and I've got that same tingling feeling as always. Today is match number 1003 for me and I can't remember being calm in any of them".