First team

MONTELLA: "I KNOW WHAT EL GRAN DERBI MEANS TO SEVILLE"

05/01/2018
The Italian didn't give clues about what team will play tomorrow but said he was determined to "play, experience the emotion and win"

Vincenzo Montella started his pre-match press conference ahead of the Gran Derbi by making what he expected clear tomorrow: "From the first meeting with the Chairman I've understood what it means for the club and for the fans. I'm excited and determined to play it, experience the emotion and to win". He then turned to Jorge Sampaoli's appearance at training: "We had the chance to talk. He had a great season here last year and won both derbies. It was a pleasure to see him because he's a great coach and he's always welcome here".

He didn't want to give anything away about tomorrow's starting eleven: "The line-up is official when I tell the team. I want to see continuity in the spirit we saw over 90 minutes the other day but naturally, there are players who come in and out". He was also asked about the fans, who let him know the importance of the derby when flooding the streets: "I like to go out walking at night in the city, above all else in places where I'm not so well known. All the fans tell me we have to win". 

Focusing on the football, he highlighted the ability of the opponents: "We should play knowing their qualities and our strengths. They have fewer points than they've shown they deserve because they have quality. We have to play our game with the help of the fans. They're very passionate and they'll be with the team". 

From the first meeting with the Chairman I've understood what it means for the club and for the fans

Montella has had the chance to study Betis: "I've seen a lot of matches and they're a team who push the ball even from the goalkeeper, they play quickly with their center-midfielders and they've got speed in attack. We need to play as a team for the whole of the match". He didn't rule out Sarabia in any position: "He could play as a right or left winger or inside, in all attacking roles".

Asked about what he expected debuting in Nervión in such an important match, he said: "it's exciting. Coaching Sevilla is a privilege and an opportunity. Players and coaches live for strong emotion". To finish, he gave the favourites tag to the opponents but for a very specific reason: "In Italy when a team is favourite they don't usually win, so I think Betis are the favourites".