First team

MONTELLA: "THE TEAM HAS IMPROVED IN SPIRIT AND PLAY, BUT WE NEED TO GO OUT WITH MORE CONVICTION"

02/02/2018

The manager backed Sergio Rico: "Sergio is an excellent goalkeeper and I am confident in his abilities. He can make mistakes, but I am pleased that the Club has backed him"

Vincenzo Montella appeared before the press this Friday just before the side's last training session ahead of Saturday's clash away from home against Eibar. The manager made clear that the side must put the Cup to one side for now and focus solely on the upcoming La Liga fixture: "I like to take it one match at a time. The next match is always the most important. We will also have one more day resting", "we lost 2 points, perhaps not due to fault of our own". "I am certain that good luck will give us back these points. Everything is to play for because we're only halfway through the season...It is clear that the team has improved as a unit, with regards to both their spirit and play. However, we need to play with more conviction when creating chances in front of the goal".

Montella discussed several of his players, including Sergio Rico: "When I arrived at the Club I made a decision. We have two great goalkeepers. Sergio is an excellent goalkeeper and I am confident in his abilities. He can make mistakes, but I am pleased that the Club, the Chairman, and Arias have defended him. He is a good goalkeeper".

The manager was pleased following Muriel's appearance on SFC TV, where the Colombian acknowledged that he had still not shown his full potential: "Muriel has grown enormously, I am happy with what he's said because I too believe that he is capable of much more. He's on the right path and he needs to be aware that a striker can score two or three goals per match".

With regards to the signings and the possibility of taking part, Montella commented "they're good. Layún is perhaps in the best physical condition because he has played the most recently. I don't know if they're up for the full 90 minutes, but yes they're good enough to play with the team". The manager further acknowledged that he is contemplating resting players like Banega.

Finally, asked about Arana, he responded "he is a great footballer, he came off 30 days without training and on his arrival, it was thought he'd need 40 days until he was ready to play in an official match. He is a keen player and it won't be long until he will start contributing to the team".